The Sunday Mail
TOCKY Vibes and Killer T’s new albums are the talk of the town. “Toti Toti” and “Ngoma Ndaimba” released by Tocky Vibes, real name Obey Makamure and Killer T, born Kelvin Kusikwenyu, respectively, are doing well both on radio and on the streets.
Tocky Vibes
Put aside his live show shortcomings, Tocky Vibes is consistent in his studio music production. On the other hand, Killer T has not disappointed both in the studio and on the live stage.
Both artistes are backed by solid messages in their music.
The content is mature though, this being dancehall, there is the odd bit of profanity in the lyricism.
But who between the two is the better? Tocky Vibes made a name for himself with hard-hitting lyrics that have attracted a following across all age groups.
And his ability to produce thought-provoking music that often comes with an underlying message, has guaranteed that he is the chanter of choice. And his recently released album easily explains why he walked away as Zim dancehall Artiste of the Year during the 2014 Zim dancehall Awards held early this year.
Tocky Vibes has an amazing writing skill that not only appeals to the heart but also to the sixth sense.
Furthermore, he has managed to fuse marimba, keyboards and guitars to create a distinct beat, a sound that many have been tempted to distance from Zim dancehall.
But fact is his sound and style is still within the parameters of Zim dancehall. The only challenge maybe will be how to classify it within the genre.
With this album, Tocky has done what the late Ketai Muchawaya, Daiton Somanje and brother Josphat did to sungura. The aforementioned managed to stay within the genre, yet coming up with a distinct style and sound.
One would have expected the youthful instrumentalists featured on the album to have challenges in coming up with different beats, but monotony so far is not part of the album.
However, indications are that there is still room for improvement.
My only hope is that he does not lose the players of instruments who were part of this project.
A least this will guarantee continuity.
Songs like “Kuhope”, “Mweya” and “Hende Tocky” aptly display how creative the lad is.
“Kuhope”, tells a story of how a man met his partner in his dream. The song is heavily dominated by keyboards but still producing a good danceable sound. Another interesting track is “Mweya Wekubereka”.
Zim Dancehall Star – Killer T
In this song Tocky describes the troubles that parents go through when their children are not well.
A balance of instruments characterise the song. The heavy lyrics on the track supported with the smooth melody can easily get one into tears.
“Nyama Yekugocha” borrows heavily from the reggae beat. And the slow beat on the song makes it easy for the musician to register displeasure over fans that rebuke him in his search for glory. “Usarara Muka” is yet another well written track from this album. In this one he encourages people to work hard no matter how difficult things may get, one has to solider on. The song captures the challenges that most people in Southern Africa face on a daily basis.
His manager Elvis Bokosha is satisfied with the project.
He reckons the sky is the limit for the lad.
“This is Tocky’s first project using live instruments. And I must say the outcome of this album is encouraging.
Our fans have showered praise on it,” he said.
Tocky has not had an opportunity to market his album to a larger audience.
However, he will get the opportunity on May 29, when he shares the stage with Oliver Mtukudzi and dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu at Pamuzinda.
The gig will be Mtukudzi’s last show before he returns for yet another European tour hence a huge turnout is expected.
Hardcore Zim dancehall fans, however, feel that Killer T represents them better with his new album.
When the “Chairman” was working on “Ngoma Ndaimba”, talk had started doing rounds that the Mbare-based chanter was running out of steam.
Zim dancehall fanatics could feel his absence from scene.
But with the new album, the “Popopopo” singer has come to reclaim his spot at the top.
“Ngoma Ndaimba” is laden with the usual Killer T punch.
What differentiates Tocky and Killer T is that the latter uses simple ghetto scenarios to drive home various messages.
This, however, does not make his music any less powerful. In fact, it is solid that way and captures attention across generations.
A number of hits are already coming out of the album. In the song “Kukosha Kwechikorobho”, the singer goes all out highlighting the importance of a mop.
But a careful listen to the track will give you a heavy social meaning of the song.
It simply tells us to value certain things that we take for granted in life yet having a massive bearing on our lives.
The Chairman’s outstanding strength is his ability to ride on any beat with ease.
He flows effortlessly, thus, he is a natural chanter, a fact proven by this album.
Outstanding tracks according to music listeners’ response include “Ngoma Ndaimba”, “Takumbofarawo”, “Itai Ndione”, “Kuvhiringa Pattern” and “Haupore”.
The stand-out tracks join his myriad of sing-along songs, making him one of the few chanters with such a status.
Killer T argues that his music is strong because of his ability to portray reality in song.
“Music is meant to unite people. Each time I compose songs I always make sure that I address day-to-day issues.
“But it should be noted that I’m not in competition with anyone. I do my own thing, which I believe no one can do better than me,” he argues.
Other tracks on the 15-track album include “Vagara Vanongovenga”, “Vanoona Moto”, “Kumanikidzira Rudo”, “Misodzi Yangu” and “Zvese Ndairota”.
