ARTIST: Chris Thiba
ALBUM: World Systems
The first time I saw Chris Thiba was in Pretoria at a place where most guys from Venda meet and braai, Ha-Mavhele, as the meeting spot is known to many. That Saturday I really wanted to go to Ha-Mavhele as Khakhathi (From Khakhathi & Friends) was supposed to perform, but for some reasons I couldn’t really go. As fate would have it, a family friend happened to be in Pretoria, so when he suggested lunch I quickly pointed Ha-Mavhele. When we got there I was so eager to see Khakhathi as I knew we only had limited time there, so when he showed his face on stage a few minutes later I had every reason to thank The Almighty. I only saw him perform one song from his latest album and I felt like I could stay there for the rest of the day. All along there was this guy with nicely hanging dreadlocks who was just standing there not doing much. I suspected him to be one of Khakhathi’s backing vocalists and was very eager to know who he was as I am always curious to know those people who are behind the beautiful choruses we hear in songs. I never got that chance to know who he was as we left that very moment.
The next Saturday, being the 19th of February, Khakhathi was back at Ha-Mavhele and this time I didn’t have any reason not to be there. The guy who I was so curious to know turned out to be an artist in his own right. Chris Thiba. I didn’t notice much of Chris before he got to the stage doing his serious reggae business. The voice was smooth; the beats were laid down with the bass making sure the genre was felt. You can’t ignore a good thing when you see one, being me I stopped all that I was doing and listened to the man of the moment. The T-shirt he was wearing was clearly written his name as well as the name of the album: Chris Thiba, World systems. Its common knowledge that in South Africa, the capital of reggae is Limpopo, but I have to assure you, the guys are working extra hard to make this genre a force to be reckoned with in the industry. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of this guy. His voice was relaxed, easy on the ear and fitted way too well with the sound and sure he was enjoying every moment. The moment of the night came when he performed his song, which is now my favourite, simply titled “Borrow & lending” which talks about blacks not owning anything of what they seem to have now, being cars, houses etc. He had the crowd on his feet and everyone singing along that he had to repeat the song again to the delight of his newly recruited fans. I knew I had to get that disc that night, so I gave him what I had and got myself a copy. I am not regretting even one moment.
“World systems” is a well-produced 10-track reggae album. It contains songs that will make you want to stand up and chant as well as laid back tracks that will take your mind to another world. The one track that get stuck in your mind is the sing-along hit titled “Borrow & lending” which is sure to create waves in the music circles which was also composed by Chris himself. “Why Africa?” has slow, strong beats and laid back bass and sharp lyrics that are sure to make you sit and think of your Africa. Khakhathi also added a track on this album titled “Tshedza tsha Mudzimu” Other tracks include “World not alright”, “Bright day” and the love song “You are the one”. If this album is anything to go by, Chris Thiba surely has a bright future in this reggae business. This is a must-have compilation for those who appreciate good music. Let’s support our local music by buying original copies. Go get yourself a copy at your nearest Jive City Store. You can also drop Chris an email on: cmbengeni@yahoo.com
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