Album Review: Prayers & Praise by Cleo Arie – An Afropop interpretation of Gospel music

While not yet a household name, Cleo Arie is certainly a singer with more than enough talent to reach those heights. The Afropop artist had early exposure to the music industry through the DreamStar Zimbabwe talent show and she released her first single “Ndide” in 2017. However it wasn’t until the release of the Mac Dee produced “Handisiye” in 2018 that she finally had her breakout moment.

In that same year Cleo Arie was selected as one of Mr Eazi’s emPawa 100 artists, out of 10,000 plus submissions. Another clear showcase of how talented she is. A year or so after this Cleo took a step back from releasing music but 3 years later in 2022 she was back with a renewed vigour. The Prayers & Praise EP is a culmination of this second act, it’s the singer’s debut compilation and right from the first listen, it was understandable why she took her time.

At the core of the Extended Play is the celebration of God, yet the listening pleasure of the music can be extended to non-Christians and non-believers. Cleo mellifluous vocals weave softly sung melodies that are inviting to the ears. While exulting the Lord, she still captures the essence of the Afropop sound. Prayers & Praise has great replay value, and not in the nature of bubblegum sounds but timeless music.

Although only 6 tracks in length, the project is a true interpretation of Gospel music in modern sounds. Produced by Manuchie, the pairing is almost near perfect. NaJesu speaks to how all things are possible through God, while Zvamuchose is an expression of Cleo dedicating her life to the Lord. The project has an acoustic feel to it and in some moments there’s experimentation with the sounds of Amapiano.

Cleo’s skills on the guitar come to life on Hakuna, which talks about how there’s no one else like God and the duet Gomba with Nashe is an ode to how God never forsakes you. There is a certain harmonisation to the music which makes the message at its heart even more succinct. Prayers & Praise has a beauty to it both sonically and lyrically. It is a celebration of the word of God that has the ability to resonate beyond religion.

Whether downtrodden or in a moment of celebration, the music is applicable. Almost 7 years in the making, it is testament to the notion that god things come to those who wait. Prayers & Praise places Cleo Arie on firm footing to establish herself next to the very best in Zimbabwe’s music industry. A position her talent certainly deserves.

Prayers & Praise is available on all major streaming platforms.