New Kid on the Block(G) : DiRATA

Abstain
Be Faithful
Condomise
DiRATA

Colbert Mukwevho & Family : Save da 'hildren

Colbert Mukwevho & Family :  SAVE DA 'HILDREN

Colbert Mukwevho and Family (famously known as Harley & the rasta family) have released another classical album. The album, titled “Save da ‘hildren”, has 12 tracks. This family group, led by Colbert, the elder of the Mukwevho brothers has been providing music to the ears of South Africans for many years. Their ability to try with different sounds in their music has made them the darling to many who are not loyal reggae music faithful. Put simply, you don’t have to be a reggae fan to fall in love with Colbert’s music. With so many years in the industry, Colbert has been consistent in his music, yet staying ahead of the times. His prophetic messages has mesmerized many and one wonders if the people that he’s singing to really listen to and understand what Colbert is really saying in his music. I have always maintained that if you love music (regardless of genre) and you haven’t heard Colbert’s music, there’s so much that you are losing out.

“Save da ‘hildren” was released through The Burnin’ Shak Studios, the studio that Colbert started when he decided to leave Joburg after a short stint with a recording company over there. Since Colbert started his music career, all his releases have never disappointed his loyal fans and “Save da ‘hildren” is no exception. I have always told my friends that the Mukwevho play their music just to satisfy their souls, by so doing they find that there are thousands other people out there who have the same musical thirst as them and that’s how they are able to capture minds and souls of so many people.

Colbert is famous for his love songs which I’m certain has affected so many relationships through the strong messages that they deliver. So I wasn’t surprised that the first track on this album was titled “On my mind”. This slow ballad was played so well that one could confuse Colbert for a Jazz legend. Colbert has never been shy to try with different sounds and this track shows exactly that. “Ndo lindela” is a previously released track which is also included in this offering. These guys have done a good job in reworking this track that it almost feels like a totally new track all together. “Bloody double-crossing bastard”, which is my personal favourite, comes down very strongly against the wrong-doers. With lyrics such as “you boody double-crossing bastard i will cut off your throat”, you can feel that the people are tired of people who are out to fend for themselves and making the poor poorer. “Ri chanta Ithiopia”, “Gossip monger”, “Nnyiteni”and “Ri do phusukanya” are some of the songs that will keep you going this winter.    

Many of Colbert’s fans have declared him the King of Reggae and I don’t have any (if not one) reason to say otherwise. The guy is a genius who is on a league of his own. Get a copy of “Save da ‘hildren” today and enjoy the soul food that the Mukwevho brothers are offering. Remember to keep it original.

Catch Colbert Mukwevho & Family at the Kempton Park Civic Centre in a Reggae Jam Session on the 28^th of May 2011. Get your ticket today at Computicket/Shoprite R100

Cornerstone releases new album

ARTIST: CORNERSTONE

ALBUM: LUFUNO

Cornerstone has released a new eagerly awaited album simply titled “Lufuno”. This album should be a breath of fresh air to the multitudes of fans that Cornerstone have recruited with their debut album titled “Psalms”.”Psalms”, which received a SAMA nomination in the Best Venda album category, paved the way into music lovers across South Africa for these group of guys from Venda. The new album seems to have surpassed the fans’ expectations. It has everyone who gets a chance to listen to it ending up being captivated in the music.

The album, produced by Mulalo Mukwevho, has 16 well-arranged tracks. It opens up with the track ‘Ntsumbedzeni lufuno’. This love-ballad, with its ear-pleasing acoustic guitar, sets the pace for this enticing album. In this song a guy is asking his partner to show him the love that he’s been giving her, which she is not giving back. The second track is titled ‘Lufunolwashu’. This track celebrates the love that those who are fortunate enough to have, are enjoying. Here, Cornerstone is praising the strong love that two people have. With lines like ‘ndi do vha na inwi u swika nga hu sa fheli’ (I’ll be with you until the end of time), this will surely be an anthem for all the love-birds out there. ‘Mama’ is a very emotional song about one’s mother. Lots of songs about mothers have been written and sang worldwide, but this one will always stand out among the best. The singer is reciting the unforgettable memories he shared with his mother while growing up. “Champagne and the pain we shared, thick and thin we made it”, among other things said. This song is like a letter written to a loving and caring mother. ‘Let me be the one – Ruma nne’, with its captivating bass line, is a reggae-gospel song played with a rock-steady feel. The singer is appealing to the Lord to send him to save this helpless world. He says, “Make my body instrument unto You Lord, for fulfilment of your holy purpose”.

Other tracks to look out for are ‘Mmbudzeni’ (Featuring Mulalo Mukwevho), ‘I’m not a king’, ‘Generation (HIV is real)’, ‘Yehova ndi mulisa’, ‘Girl next door’ and ‘When I die’ among others.’Mmbudzeni’ is a beautifully done track which features Mulalo Mukwevho. Without realising it you’ll find yourself singing along to the chorus and chanting along to the well-arranged instruments. Dr Fraser “Thitupulwi” also added a lovely acoustic acapella track called ‘Times are changing’. The album closes with the track ’Ntsumbedzeni lufuno’, but this time featuring Mulalo Mukwevho.

These guys are immensely talented and judging by the standard of this album, they just reassured their fans that they are here to stay. They have really worked hard in perfecting the art that has made them the darling of music lovers all across. It truly shows that Venda has so much to offer the world. I just love the way their lyrics are arranged, a skill that many artists seem to lack. With the perfect marketing strategy for their work as well as support from the fans, this album should be flying off the shelves. I urge you guys, go out and support these homeboys, they won’t disappoint you. 
 

For original copies, events and all information regarding Cornerstone, contact 0832700710. You can also join Cornerstone on their Facebook page (cornerstone.fans@groups.facebook.com).

PS Buy only original copies

I am

many thought they could play this game

tried to warn them, all in vain

see them now; they all retire before their time

your pockets full but you’re brain dead

I’m so disappointed in myself this year

especially for not seeing who you really were

following me by the black box

make sure you keep the fucken distance boy

I might be small but I got all my rear views

you’ll end up just like your dad, lonely and miserable

printed images on the wall like a serial killer

fantasies characterises your dejected life

last time I checked you were a hoorskool nerd

quite, just another boy with erectile dysfunction

so now you reckon you got enough balls to make the cum

I no run around with obeah

riskin your foolish lives tryin to topple my peace

I am the rock of ages I stand firm

                                          

Little A' you precious thing

being used for someone else's sins

you couldn't even lift your own load

i am Screwface homie, 2 heads 4 eyes. don't go about at night if you' scared of the dark. I fight my own battles and I fear no man, so should you, sluggard. I give praises to the Most High for He is just. I've survived more drama than Mzansi fo sho has had. Ni do gidima na dzinanga, fhedzi a ni nga do nkona.' Flex man, we don't wanna be starting Armageddon this early. I AM!