There is finally more from the multi-faceted Zimbabwean Producer Gwinyai Runyowa better known as Verseless. He released a 5-track EP titled ‘Smile’. Verseless’ cred spans across genres and with notable artists such as Burna Boy, Simba Tagz & Shingai Shoniwa. We’re told that it was through a collaboration with the latter that the Modern Pop/Amapiano Genre he nicknames Popiano sprouted from.
The first EP is titled Smile, a 5-track offering which is frankly Yanos through and through!
As a consumer of his first underground offerings, it is miles away from the deep bass cum-Afro-House Techno/EDM fusions we often associate with Verseless. The fusion meets a mixed review in my sentimental ears. On one hand, it is a melodic reminder that the man is a Creative enigma, hands down. On the other one can’t help but note the undertone of the datedness of OG-Amapiano-sound, more so in the lead single ‘Smile’. In a press statement, Verseless explained the inspo behind the project.
Smile acts as a catalyst for others that share in their struggles to confront & overcome them in the spirit of leaning into happiness as a disposition, a choice, that comes with the kind of soundtrack in the form of this project setting the tempo.
There is a much-appreciated redemption for those that equal my fuss. The experimental Popiano saunters in through new airy femme vocals belonging to Filipino-American Rhea Isabella in ‘Dance the Pain Away’ and Zimbabwean Eden Lang in ‘Don’t’.
A fan favourite is Short Up with UK-based acapella quartet, Vade which offers an odd yet groovily palatable Amapiano meets Disco and lowkey Basement. Given that there are 3 more EPS to go, we look forward in great anticipation to more of this funky experimentation that merges our favourite underground with mainstream appeal.
Oksalayo, more of this, please!
Smile the EP by Verseless is available across music streaming platforms.
