Kenya News
Album review: Amaze’s “Anthropology” album has legendary status stamped on It
BY EMBUKANE LIBOSSO
Anthropology album is now available in digital stores! The album features additional collaborative tracks with other reggae acts such as Dhadza D, Promics, Eyetal Fyah and Hilcardin.
Zimbabwean recording artist, Amaze’s Anthropology album has been on rotation ever since Miss Rose Green from Intl Starz sent it to us. There has always been a deep yearning for most African acts that are conscious and sing reggae to connect with Jamaica. This album boasts an international collaborative recording with the late Reggae Legend and Icon – Gregory Isaacs. The Cool Ruler was able to release more than 500 albums to date before his untimely death October 25th, 2010.
It was only right we would jump to track number nine, Border which features the legendary Cool Ruler. Amaze introduces the track “Moving out of Babylon. We can’t take it anymore. Jah know,” which at first listen, you will not even think of the Gregory Isaacs 1978 classic “The Border. “Then the track breaks and the Border rhythm classic hits you. The Cool Ruler’s smooth vocals, lyrics with a message, “Africa we want to come home!” Repatriation. Amaze picks the banter from the lyrics and the song just hits you like it did in 1978!
To understand this album deeply it is wise to check out the Making Anthropology documentary on YouTube that showcases: the behind the scenes concepts, works, importance and relevance of reggae music to the African continents. There are brief cameo appearances within the documentary by fellow Zimbabwean local recording artist – Tocky Vibes, Kenya’s – Wyre and Ghana’s finest – Samini Dagaati.
The album starts with an uplifting hymn, By Your Side; a lover’s assertion he/she will not leave the other partner’s side. Amaze has a certain vibe when it comes to lover’s rock singles. This is a classic one-drop love tune for the ladies.
Black Is Beautiful is another up-tempo affirmation single. It is laced with affirmations of melanin pride and why there is no shame in the black beauty. Black is the new beauty, strength and power.
The album tone goes down on When You Cry and Memories (feat. Eyetal Fyah), Eyetal Fyah deep voice perfectly spices this track and does not seem to sink Amaze’s flow on the chorus.
We find the second collaboration on the album with Dhadza D and Promics on Gone Are The Days. Reggae unites with Hip-hop on this reflective track and rekindles the good old days despite the hard-economic times we face today.
Jah Knows opens up Amaze’s confidence in God in an uplifting track, that calls on being happy and never stop smiling no matter what, for God is fully aware. The positive uplifting vibe is a prayer to humanity to never take for granted the blessings credited to them.
The lead single, Anthropology is a Reggae one-drop anthem. In a world that teaches about the history yet kills without apology, the song is deep. It is also pleading to Jah to protect his people. The piano vibe on the bridge is quite catchy and gets this track going. Amaze is philanthropic and shows love by rewarding listeners with a free instrumental for this track on the album.
Mama Africa instrumentation is the rootsy Live Wire Riddim, which the tune ‘Whip Dem Jah’ from Anthony B comes to mind when it plays. His prophecy of love to the motherland continent is melodious. You can never go wrong with a foundation riddim. It always appeals.
Lyrically, Amaze’s narrative is solid. Listening to Equal Rights & Justice, Vakafa (feat. Hilcardin) which means ‘the dead’ in his native Shona language, I Am Blessed, Keep On Walking and Who You Trust, brim with positive cheers. His vocals are on point and the tracks ponder themes: of love, the system, spirituality and Mama Africa. Nonetheless, the primary theme and concept of the album is evenly distributed; depicts songs that are of scientific, human societal behavior in the past and present.