i_am_music_criticism | African Music Blogger

Sarah Mkorongo, better known as @i_am_music_criticism, is an African Music Blogger who started her blog around 2019. She specialises in reviewing music by indie artists. Her main goal is to share the power of music beyond its beat. She believes music provides valuable lessons and insights that can impact our lives. Sarah currently curates music for the Groover platform.

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I am destined for greatness. That's a fact.

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#i_am_music_criticism #africanmusicjournalist #musicblogger #musicbloggers #musicjournalism #musicjournalist #achievinggoals #music #musicblog #musicjunkie #musiclovers #musicislife #music #musiclover #musicreviews #musicreview #musicreviewer

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How Stromae’s Dance-Pop Hit ‘Papaoutai’ Influenced the Afro Soul Track

How Stromae’s Dance-Pop Hit ‘Papaoutai’ Influenced the Afro Soul Track

Afro Soul AI’s “Papaoutai” went viral this year and was produced by digital artists Chill77, Unjaps, and mikeeysmind. The song gained popula

Hi everyone! I’ve created a post in my LinkedIn newsletter about Stromae’s dance-pop hit 'Papaoutai,' not necessarily the AI Afro Soul version. Enjoy reading!

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LinkedIn Newsletter.

Hello everyone! I’ve created a newsletter on LinkedIn. Here’s the link.

The Music Critic | LinkedIn

In my newsletter, I'm keeping it real – sharing my experiences as a music blogger, social media challenges etc

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Hey everyone, if you're a fan of Naruto, I've a completed book that focuses on the Naruto series around 2002-2007 that focuses on Naruto's genin days. Curious? Check out the link!

Naruto Anime Analysis - Free Novel by i_am_music_criticism

Masashi Kishimoto's manga series "Naruto" follows Naruto Uzumaki's journey to become a respected ninja. The manga was adapted into an anime

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Hey everyone, check out my portfolio if you're curious!

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Hello everyone, hope you're doing great! I've just published a music review of Zinarayah's 'Still The One' (feat. Scarzz) from the Chamhembe Zvekare Album. Check it out here:

Zinarayah Drops New Love Song "Still The One" | Chamhembe Zvekare Album Release

Chamhembe has long been a catalyst for Urban Grooves' next big things. Now, visionary producer Take Fizzo (Tatenda Jenami) has reassembled t

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If you're a fan of Naruto, you can read my book on Inkitt.

Naruto Anime Analysis - Free Novel by i_am_music_criticism

Masashi Kishimoto's manga series "Naruto" follows Naruto Uzumaki's journey to become a respected ninja. The manga was adapted into an anime

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Hello, I recently published a blog post. For more details, click the link below:

Redefined Concert at HICC: My Personal Experience.

Winky D Performing Live at Redefined Concert at HICC. The 15th of June 2023, I experienced something special at the redefined concert in Har

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Terrain’s “Big God” Song: A Heartfelt Reminder to Trust God.

Terrain is a Christian music singer and songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. She’s known for singing with TobyMac’s band, Diverse City and her popular song “God With Us”. She has released her music, including an EP and an album, “Give It Time”. Coming from Terrain’s album “Give It Time”, Big God was released on March 24, 2023. It conveys a message of confidence that God is always there no matter what challenges one faces. The song compares life’s challenges to facing enemies and obstacles but reassures that even in feelings of loneliness, God is always present and supportive. To support this, Psalm 23:4 GNT says, “Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me, your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.”

The song lyrics depict the unshakable faith of trusting God in the face of adversity. At the beginning of Verse 1, an upbeat piano plays in the background as Terrain begins to sing the lyrics:

Mmm, yeah, yeah, yeah / With foes on my left and fears on my right / They think that I'm all by myself in this fight / But they do not know the infinite size / Of the God who's by my side, hey

Terrain has faith in God that no matter what, she will not fear for God is by her side. Moreover, it could be referring to Isaiah 41:10 GNT, “Do not be afraid---I am with you! I am your God---let nothing terrifies you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” The tone that is set in verse 1 started at medium load until it sped up gradually in the pre-chorus:

Under fire, but my Goliaths / Standing in the shadow of the Almighty / I ain't lying (no, no) /Just testifying

The mention of Goliath refers to the biblical story of David and Goliath, where a young David defeats a giant with faith and a slingshot. This story represents the underdog’s victory with God’s help. Terrain uses this imagery to encourage listeners to have faith that they can overcome their challenges (their “Goliaths”) with the help of a powerful God. You can find the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 where it teaches the lesson of bravery, courage, and faith.

The chorus has a consistent percussion beat when Terrain begins singing with high vocals:

Man, I'm talking about a big God, big God / When trouble comes around the way / Only remedy for big odds is a big God / Ain't nobody gonna shake my faith / No, I'm not afraid, throw my hands up in praise / For the times that He pulled me through / I'm counting on a big God that they can't stop (big God) / He's a big God.

The song’s chorus is a confident declaration of faith, praising God for His past support and trusting in His continued guidance and strength for the future hence supported by Jeremiah 29:11 GNT, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” With Terrain’s loud vocals especially when she said, “Woah-oh, Woah-oh”, she has faith that God will always come through for her even when she faces obstacles.

To add, Verse 2, is supported by 1 Peter 5:7 GNT, “Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you” hence why she said in verse 2:

Why in the world would I worry away / When I know that He holds my world in His hands? / The monsters I face don't make me afraid / When I know that I'm standing right next to Him

The son’s bridge highlights God’s power and love, describing Him as stronger, deeper, greater, and bigger than any challenge or fear. This section aims to comfort and empower listeners, reminding them of God’s vast and overwhelming love and strength:

(Stronger) than your brokenness / (Deeper) than your dreams not seen yet / (Greater) than your greatest fear / (Bigger) He's so much bigger / (Stronger) when I couldn't get up / (Deeper) I could always feel Your love / (Greater) You're picking me up / (Bigger) I could always feel Your love

In a nutshell, “Big God” is a song about how faith and trust in Him can give us strength and peace, even in tough times. The upbeat uplifting music throughout the song suited perfectly with Terrain’s vocals. The consistent beat until the beat switch in the bridge made me appreciate the song’s message even more. It was inspiring. My only complaint is that it felt short. Nonetheless, it was fun to listen to therefore I rate the song 8.5/10.

Spotify link:

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Voltz JT's timeless hit in Zimbabwe, “These Days” speaks about the dangers of social media that are still prevalent to this day.

If you’re a fan of Pop Smoke or drill music, then you might like this track. The song, These Days by Voltz JT was released on 7 May 2021. It features Jax daBeatBully, a Zimbabwean producer and rapper and the music video was directed by Leoy V. According to other sources on the internet, the song is about Voltz JT's hardships and obstacles in both his personal and musical lives. He vents his frustration at the lack of encouragement and acknowledgement from his colleagues and the industry. He also considers how he attempts to deal with his previous mistakes and regrets. Moreover, the song is a fusion of drill music and the Shona language which in turn formed a genre known as Jecha Trap. In other words, Voltz JT was the one who pioneered the Jecha Trap sound.

What is Jecha Trap? As mentioned by Innocent V on Zimboson Website, the jecha trap sound is a type of music that combines the elements of drill music and the Shona language. Drill music is a subgenre of hip hop that originated in the United Kingdom and features dark, violent, and nihilistic lyrics over hard-hitting beats. The Shona language is one of the official languages of Zimbabwe and is spoken by about 10 million people. The jecha trap sound is a way of expressing the realities of the ghetto and the struggles of the youth in Zimbabwe. The term “jecha” means sand or dirt, and it is used to describe the harsh conditions and obstacles that people face in their lives.

Not only does Voltz JT talks about his hardships in the music industry but he also mentioned the dangers of social media that are still prevalent to this day. This can be found in the song lyrics.

At the beginning of the track, there is a consistent beat with a deep bassline that showcases Voltz JT’s lyrical skills and flow. With a catchy chorus, Voltz JT begins by saying:

These days unoita mad uchipihwa mbiri nevanhu (mbiri nevanhu) / Dzinoto tryer apauchipihwa mbiri nevanhu (mbiri nevanhu) / These days pakuda chikoro chekudzidza kudealer nevanhu (kudealer nevanhu) / These days life ma1 kumaG’s anotemba nevanhu / Cuz time time vanokusimbisa kuti bho (vanoti bho) / After ipapo vanongoseka kuseri kwedoor (kuseri kwedoor) / Ita fast kubata Nyaya usaite slow (usaite slow) / These days hazvidi dzungu / Saka chigaya kugara urilow

Which means in English:

These days you get mad when you are praised by people (praise by people) / You even try when you are praised by people (praise by people) / These days school is needed to deal with people (to deal with people) / These days life is tough for the G's who trust people / Cuz time time they confirm that it's cool (they say it's cool) / After that they just laugh behind the door (behind the door) / Be quick to deal with the story, don't be slow (don't be slow) / These days don't need to be dizzy / So grind and stay low

The chorus already paints a picture of what the song is about. It highlights two issues; fake friends and the importance of moving is silence. When it comes to fake friends, Voltz JT said, “These days pakuda chikoro chekudzidza kudealer nevanhu (kudealer nevanhu) / These days life ma1 kumaG’s anotemba nevanhu” which means, “These days school is needed to deal with people (to deal with people) / These days life is tough for the G's who trust people.” This could be referring to Voltz JT’s struggles in terms of lacking support and recognition from his peers and the industry. Yet it could also refer to some negative effects of social media. For instance, some may be chasing validation in terms of getting likes on social media or some might use their friends for connections to get ahead on social media. It then paints the picture that these days life is tough for the G’s who trust people. In other words, due to the rise of social media, it has led to some fake friendships. Therefore, the song has a double meaning of not highlighting Voltz JT's struggles, but other issues caused by social media. Furthermore, it's another reason why Voltz JT seems to reinforce the importance of moving in silence.

Moreover, in Verse 1, Voltz JT highlights other issues caused by social media. This is shown when he says:

These days haazi mafunnies (these days haazi mafunnies) / Painful / Kuita kunge bee asina mamunchies (painful) / Painful nyika iri colders / Better kufamba uneka matches (painful) / Painful kumukira monaz / Tryna impress pa-IG, Pa-IG panema mababies (panema-) / Fully grown babies / Vanoita anything to get famous (to get famous) / Anything to get famous / Ukangotaura hanzi une jealous (hanzi une jealous) / All day unenge uri-out / Taking pictures hauna denaz (Shauna denaz) / All day muchiita noise / Muchingotaura nezve mahaters (haha)

Which means in English:

These days ain’t no funnies (these days ain’t no funnies) / Painful / Looking like a bee without honeybee (painful) / Painful the country is cold / Better to walk with matches (painful) / Painful waking up early in the morning  / Tryna to impress on IG, On IG there are babies (there are-) / Fully grown babies / That will do anything to get famous / Anything to get famous / If you talk, they say you are jealous / All day you will be out / Taking pictures without a house / All day making noise / Always talking about haters

Verse 1 talks about how the youth are trying to seek validation on Instagram. Some have resorted to making mediocre content such as meaningless gossip, fake trips overseas, and basically living a fake life hence why Voltz JT said there are fully grown babies on Instagram that will do anything to get fame. To support this, he said, “All day unenge uri-out / Taking pictures hauna denaz.” Some are busy taking pictures for Instagram instead of finding ways to sort out their lives which shows that the song, These Days speaks about the dangers of social media that are still prevalent to this day.

To finalize the message of the song about the dangers of social media, the song ends with an outro:

I also feel like at the same time it’s where we are trying too hard, a lot of people are trying to look too good on social media especially not caring enough about building who they are in real life. So, at the end of the day, really nice pictures, really hot girl but having a conversation with her she does not have any substance cause all she focuses on is the appearance that she used to provide on social media apart from what she is, who she is as a person or what she can, you know venture in as a human being.

The outro clearly depicts the dangers of social media which calls for moderation. In other words, the message behind the song, “These Days” is centered on not comparing our lives on social media. One may not know what happens behind closed doors. Towards the end of the song, the consistent beat with a deep bassline is matched perfectly with Voltz JT vocals when he said, “After ipapo vanongoseka kuseri kwedoor” which means “After that they just laugh behind the door.”

In a nutshell, I loved the authenticity of the track. The visuals were simple yet suited well with the song’s message. I also appreciated a new genre titled, “Jecha Trap” which is a fusion of drill music and the Shona Language. Since Voltz JT is the pioneer of the genre, it also explains how he is one of the famous Zim hip hop artists in Zimbabwe. Therefore, I highly rate the track, 10/10.

Spotify link:

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Bryan K featuring Tamy Moyo and Kayflow glorify the goodness of God in this heartfelt song titled, “Hakuna.”

If you’re looking for a heartfelt Christian song glorifying God, then this song is for you. The song, “Hakuna” was released on 25 September 2023. As mentioned by Innocent Veremu on the Zimsphere Website, Bryan K has always been vocal about his Christian beliefs and how they influence his music. Moreover, the song is inspired by the Gospel hymn that Bryan K grew up singing in church, which translates to “There is no one like Jesus.” Therefore, the beat is emotional showcasing the artist's lyrical prowess with Bryan K’s catchy chorus, Tamy Moyo’s soulful vocals and Kayflow’s heartfelt lyricism. From my point of view, the song is heavily premised on Psalms 42:5 GNT, “Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my saviour, and my God.”

The music video begins by showing Bryan K singing the chorus accompanied by a hint of drums playing in the background. Moreover, it is interesting that the FLASH MOB DANCING GROUP (UFIC YOUTH) are dancing throughout the chorus that glorifies God. For instance, in the lyrics, Bryan K said:

Ndatsvaga tsvaga kwose / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna / Ndatenderera kwose / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna / Ndafamba famba kwose / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna / Ndafamba famba kwose / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna akaita semi / Hakuna

Which means in English:

I have searched everywhere / There is no one like You / There is no one like You / There is none / I’ve been around / There is no one like you / There is no one like you / There is none / I have travelled everywhere / There is no one like you / There is no one like you / There is none / I have travelled everywhere / There is no one like you / There is no one like you / There is none.

Bryan K’s deep vocals highlight his Christian beliefs of having faith in God and since the chorus sets the tone throughout the track, Tamy Moyo follows suit with her soulful vocals highlighting the goodness of God. For instance, she said:

I’ve been looking so honestly / None can compare Your Majesty / No one like You Lord / None in this whole world/ Hakuna mumwe akaita semi / Saka ndichikudai nemoyo wangu wose / You never left me whenever I was broken / You will listen with your arms wide open (with Your arms wide open) Hukuru wenyu Mwari / I can’t describe it / Hukuru wenyu Mwari / I can't imagine / Ndatsvaga ndashaiwa / Your love is bigger love is greater / Ndafamba famba ndichiona / Pasi rose Hakuna / yeah

Tamy Moyo’s verse is premised in 1 Peter 5:6-7 GNT “Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him because he cares for you.” She is thanking God for always being there for her when she was broken. First, she said, “Saka ndichikudai nemoyo wangu wose, " meaning “So I love you with all my heart.”  In other words, no matter what challenges she faces, she can always rely on God because his love is greater than anything. Second, she said, “Hukuru wenyu mwari, " meaning “Your greatness God.” In other words, she is in awe of His greatness who loves her for who she is and will always be by her side. To add to the heartfelt vocals, the song then progresses to showcase Bryan K’s catchy chorus to highlight the goodness of God.

To finalise the track, Kayflow comes in with his lyricism highlighting the greatness of God. Before he starts rapping, he starts singing when he says:

Chero zvakamira / Mambo tenzi munouya munovhura nzira / Hamumbofuratira / Chero vanouya nekuseri / Munongondichengetedza nekusingaperi / Chero zvakamira / Mambo tenzi munouya munovhura nzira / Hamumbofuratira / Chero vanouya nekuseri / Munongondichengetedza nekusingaperi / Ndatsvaga ini / Ndatsvaga imi / Hakuna hakuna / Akaita semi (akaita semi) / Ndatsvaga ka ini / Hakuna hakuna / Akaita semi.

Which means in English:

Whatever it is / Lord, you come and open the way / You never ignore it / No matter who they come from behind / You will protect me forever / Whatever it is / Lord, you come and open the way / You never ignore it / No matter who they come from behind / You will protect me forever / I have searched for myself / I have searched for you / There is none there is none / Like you (like you) / I have searched for you / There is none there is none / Like you.

It just highlights Psalms 86:8-10 which says, “There is no god like you, O Lord, not one has done what you have done. All the nations that you have created will come and bow down to you; they will praise your greatness. You are mighty and do wonderful things; you alone are God.” From my point of view, Kayflow also seems inspired by his Christian beliefs as he goes on further to rap in the lyrics below:

I’m on a vibe see / NdinaJesu, I was lost / But he found me / Now I’m walking in the valley / Of the shadow of death / It cannot touch me / Blessed is the man on a search / To seek his loving / Ndafamba ndatsvaga / Ndashaya / Hakuna / Akaita semi / Manna mapakira / I was really hungry / Needed food for the soul / Mukauya mukandipa / Now I’m good ndiri bho

With his lyricism, this time he highlights the goodness of Jesus Christ who protects him wherever he goes. Moreover, from my point of view, it points out Psalms 23, “Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.”

Towards the end of the music video, ends with Tamy Moyo’s soulful vocals and Bryan K’s catchy chorus. They presented the goodness of God with their artistry with a beat that stayed consistent from start to finish. Moreover, with a mixture of a hint of drums, a violin and a moderate piano sound, the song was heartfelt to listen to. The music was also produced by Bryan K and Nasper Incoming.

In a nutshell, the song, “Hakuna” highlighted Bryan K’s catchy chorus, Tamy Moyo’s soulful vocals and Kayflow’s heartfelt lyricism. Each artist was given a chance to showcase their lyrical prowess and songwriting skills. Their vocals were on point, the music production and the music video were intriguing to watch as well. Therefore, I rate the track 10/10.

Spotify music link:

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It's interesting how when I started writing music reviews, I was focused on writing about Dreamville Records and Zimbabwean music. Now I'm a music blogger posting about independent music artists and writing some music reviews about anything I like. I'm always finding ways to promote unknown artists eg biography posts, and song quotes not realizing that what I was doing is called music PR😂😂. God works in mysterious ways indeed and now everything is just slowly falling into place🙆🏾‍♀️. It makes me think about the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 GNT, "‭I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." I don't know what God has planned for me but I'm learning to trust the process and be patient.

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Meredith O'Connor embraces her unique qualities in her album, "I Am"

Anti-bullying/mental health icon Meredith O'Connor is a role model to her fans around the world. Millions of people adore her music, and several of her followers have claimed that it helped them survive hardships like bullying and social isolation. Henceforth, the release of her album, "I Am" is primarily about overcoming obstacles and embracing one's individual qualities. It was released on Friday 23 October 2015.

Bullying is a topic that Meredith is incredibly passionate about since it is so personal to her. Meredith has travelled the nation as an anti-bullying crusader, speaking at schools about her own experiences being tormented in addition to her musical performances.

Meredith acknowledges that she has battled with bullying since she was young age 6, but she gives no further details, other than to claim that she has experienced abuse and taunting for being "weird," for being different, and for not conforming to stereotypes. She claims that one of the things that has set her apart from her friends is the fact that she always gravitated toward the theatre and performing arts extracurriculars in high school, never sports. She also noted that she is special,

“I wish I could tell kids that if you wait 2, maybe 3 more years, none of this will matter, and it will be the things that make you different that end up making you cool." Meredith O' Connor

She wanted to let everyone know that it is okay to be different. We often compare our lives to others and sometimes we try to copy them. We often ask ourselves if there is something wrong with being yourself but as we will see throughout the album, Meredith was brave enough to share her uniqueness with the world.

The Track List highlights her unique qualities.

One of my favorite songs is I Am. The song is catchy and upbeat mixed with a fast-paced piano instrument playing throughout the song. Moreover, the song is about Meredith realizing that she does not have to compromise who she is for anyone. She has learned to embrace who she is. Her light vocals throughout the song reflect that. For instance, in the lyrics, she says:

"So tired of being on my best behaviour / Tryna be what they all love.."

She changes her tone towards the bridge of the lyrics. Her vocals sort of become deep and powerful. Furthermore, she is starting to see that she doesn't need to change who she is hence why she says in the bridge of the lyrics:

"All of my life this is the key to what I’m missing /Throw out the doubt, forget all the second-guessing / All of my flaws I see them as a blessing / I’ll be who I am not what they are expecting"

Throughout the track, Meredith proves that she is indeed who she is hence the repetition of the phrase, "I am, I am, I am, what I am". Personally, I Am serves as a good intro for the album because it sets the tone for the album which is embracing unique qualities.

Meredith 0'Connor donated all her proceeds from the album to The Carol Galvin Foundation a women's cancer organisation. The song, "Guardian Angel" is written explicitly for the foundation as stated by Richard Galvin on LinkedIn. He is the founder of the organisation. Furthermore, the foundation is in honour of his mother, whom he lost to cancer when he was 11. As a result, the song, "Guardian Angel" is another significant track in the album. Musical instruments such as a piano and violin playing in the background set the tone to be deep. Meredith presents her calm and simple vocals as she sings in the chorus:

"Whenever I think of you and I smile and I don’t know why / Whenever I feel joy in my heart, I know you’re nearby / And I know you’re here to stay / Your love won’t ever fade away / You give me wings to fly / You’re my guardian angel in the sky / You’re my guardian angel tonight"

As she sings, it gives everyone a chance to remember their loved ones.

Another track that caught my attention is "Just the Thing". Meredith O'Connor opens up a lot more about her character. For instance, in the lyrics, she said:

"I'm awkward / A little OCD / I'm too tall / And always say just the wrong thing / I talk too fast, forget to breathe..."

Meredith decides to open up more about her mental health, OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental and behavioural disorder in which a person experiences intrusive thoughts (an obsession) and the need to repeatedly engage in certain behaviours (compulsions) to alleviate the distress that the obsession causes, to the point where it impairs daily functioning. Meredith is an advocate for mental health so this song makes it even more significant to listen to. Not to mention, the song is sweet and short to listen to.

Face That’s Perfect is also a nice track to listen to. The lyrics are also easy to understand as well.

Stronger was a meaningful track to listen to. There was a musical chemistry between Meredith O’Connor and Garret Clayton. However, I don’t see myself playing it daily but just hear and there.  

Songs such as Distraction, 14 Miles and Unforgettable Night seem to be worthy tracks to listen to. As a first-time listener, I will need time to appreciate the tracks.

The Game was all right. However, I felt like something was missing. Plus, I kind of got lost in understanding the meaning of the track especially since it was my first time listening to the track.

In a nutshell, I Am is a significant album to listen to. It highlights the unique qualities Meredith O'Connor has. As an anti-bullying/mental health icon, I believe she managed to highlight the messages she wanted to send to her listeners. Songs such as I Am were worthy to listen to. Other songs such as The Game were all right to listen to. Therefore, I would rate the album around 6.5 / 10.

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Jurum released an Amapiano-infused EP that demonstrates his versatility as an artist. For more details, click the link below:

Jurum released an Amapiano-infused EP that demonstrates his versatility as an artist.

Amapiano music originated in South Africa. It is a subgenre of house music that incorporates African rhythms, jazz, and soul. When it first

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Tamy Moyo mentions the transitions she is facing in life in “Sare”

Tamy Moyo’s album, BVUDZIJENA serves as a way of presenting her identity. As mentioned by Tafadzwa Zimoyo in The Herald, Tamy’s white hair or “bvudzijena” in Shona has inspired her to reach great heights in her music career. After all, Tamy said white hair symbolises the transition taking place in her life. It’s about her journey from being a teenager to an adult, her quest for growth and wisdom not only as an individual but as an artist and a creative as evident in the song titled, “Sare”.

Sare serves as the first track off BVUDZIJENA The Album. The music video premiered on November 10, 2021. Tamy Moyo begins by pondering on her bed. We are presented with the full moon accompanied by traditional cultural chants. The full moon symbolises that a significant change is about to happen, the transition of Tamy from being a teenager to an adult. Moreover, the Shona phrase "Iro, Zuva rabuda"—which translates to "The sun is out"—adds to the evidence. Immediately afterwards, the music starts to get intense. Later on, as Tamy Moyo is tossing and turning in bed, the film switches to other scenes. "Mukai iwe, Bvudzi jena"—which means "Wake up"—is what awakens her.

Afterwards, we are presented with a piano playing in the background mixed with soothing vocals. The lyrics have a message behind her transition. For instance, she said,

"Wake up so early in the morning / Nothing is scaring my turning / Life is a road is a journey / All of these questions I’m learning / Feeling no ways I’m unworthy / Hapana chandogona ini / Mercy mercy mercy mercy / But I’m not counting my blessings"

She lets her listeners know that she is embracing the changes she is going through. She understands that life is a journey and part of the process. Henceforth she is not feeling unworthy. However, she notices something she needs to work on. She needs to start counting her blessings.

Moyo uzere / Dai kuri kugona ndigere / Kwete kungotarisa zvevamwe / Aghh nyebere handisare

Which means

My heart is full / If only I could sit / not just look at other people's affairs / Aghh, I will not stay

Her heart is full yet she finds herself comparing herself to others. She knows that if she wants to transition, she has to leave that all behind hence why she said, she will not stay (sare).

Sare sare (handisare) / Huruva kusimuka kupfumbuka / Mhepo dziye kusimuka kuzopfumbuka (handisare) x 4

Which means

Stay stay (l will not stay) / The dust will rise and bloom / Those winds will rise and bloom (l will not stay)

Huruva kusimuka kupfumbuka (The dust will rise and bloom) is a metaphor to explain Tamy Moyo's transition. Tamy Moyo is a speck of dust ready to rise and bloom from a teenager to an adult. She is in search of growth and wisdom.

Moyo wako uite muchena / Pane kufamba uri wega / Dai wagumawo kutenda / Aiwa dai wakumbodemba x 3

Which means:

Let your heart be pure / Instead of walking alone / I wish you stopped believing / No, I wish you had no regrets

The music gets intense when Tamy Moyo learns a valuable lesson. No matter what happens, she has to have a pure heart. Having a pure heart leads to self-awareness, personal growth, and personal development that will help her transition.

Towards the end of the video, she pays homage to her dancer and choreographer Lynsey Lynn who was nominated for a NAMA in 2021.

In a nutshell, I liked the concept of the music video. Sare had a mixture of Afro-pop with traditional and cultural elements to it. It clearly shows that Tamy Moyo put so much thought into the music video to present the transitions she is facing as an artist. Therefore, I rate the track, 10/10.

[iammusiccriticism]

i_am_music_criticism

i_am_music_criticism, a user on Spotify

If you're looking for music from unknown artists, you can follow me on Spotify for playlists.

[iammusiccriticism]

[iammusiccriticism]

Meet Damon X, the emerging addition to Yonkers' often-overlooked hip-hop narrative. "The Drive" marks Damon X's first release after his name change and featuring on Tanner Peterson's single, "Break the Spell." Inspired by car culture, Damon X employs a continuous double entendre on the word "drive." Boasting an increasingly urgent lyricism over a smooth beat, "The Drive" includes themes of competition and social justice to tell a story of the self-determination required to reach one's dreams.

Hailing from Yonkers, New York, Damon X is the latest in a surprisingly long line of hip-hop/R&B artists from the "Sixth Borough." Like fellow Yonkers artists (e.g. DMX, Mary J. Blige, and The LOX), Damon X couples his phenomenal songwriting, rapping, and singing skills with an inextinguishable drive to be recognized by the pinnacles of the music world. Some may describe this as a chip on his shoulder. Damon X prefers to see it as reflecting the essence of the city of Yonkers. Being the son of a former Miami DJ granted Damon X an upbringing constantly filled with an eclectic music collection. As a result, some of Damon X's first influences include the likes of Gil Scott Heron, Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, Joni Mitchell, and 2Pac.

However, as a young listener during the famous "Blog Era" of hip-hop, Damon X's first inspirations in rap were J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., and Kendrick Lamar. While many - to devalue the genre - enjoy distinguishing hip-hop and higher education, Damon X graduated from an Ivy League university. Staying true to his studies, Damon X brings a sociological lens to creating music. Much of his approach to songwriting focuses on themes such as race, class, life, death, love, and loss. To Damon X, the point is not just to make art; it's important to make art just.

I'm a music blogger who focuses on meaningful lyrics from unknown music artists. If you're interested, you can follow me. You can also follow me on other social media platforms using the link provided.

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Voting ended onJun 15, 2023