Gwamba’s true colours in true independence

In 2016, rapper Gwamba announced his switch from secular to gospel music following his decision to become a born-again Christian. Many who were in love with his music then may have had lingering doubts as to how his music career would pan out after that change.

Gwamba’s strength as a rapper lay in the militancy of his lyrics and the boldness of his delivery.

The artist embarked on a journey into the unknown. On one hand was the need to balance his new identity as a gospel artist and on the other maintain his distinct identity as one of the ruthless lyrists to have graced the local rap scene.

Weighing on his shoulders too were questions whether he would maintain his relevance as an artist worth his salt.

His first two albums, Jesus Is My Boss and Mama Said God First, appeared a bit caged with the ‘gospel artist’ tag and one could get a sense of a man who was overly cautious in his act.

From the artist who was ready to step anywhere, Gwamba had transformed into some timid wannabe who was too aware of the focus on him. The war between his subconscious and the rapper in him made him reconcile to become mild. He was not really the Gwamba that people knew.

Early this year, the Zidzakhala Better creator announced he was releasing his third gospel album True Independence and true to his word, the album was released on July 6.

The 14-track album was put together by a clique of some of the best producers in the country such as BFB, Henwood, Tricky Beatz, DJ Sley and Martin Angels.

In an earlier interview, Gwamba said the decision to bring together several producers was deliberate.

“The idea is to bring out as much variety as possible. These are some of the best producers in the industry and to bring their ideas together is phenomenal,” he said.

Going by the content in the album, one cannot fail to notice the marked departure from that timid artist who came out in his previous two albums. In True Independence, he allows himself freedom to express himself like the artist everyone knew before.

From the choice of his words and the slanting of his concepts, Gwamba strikes a right balance between the inner rapper in him and the gospel side he now represents.

In Daily Worship, which features Niger ian Nimix, you see a Gwamba who raps with such conviction and fast pace that represents a real rap song. The way he lifts up the mellow intro to a new tempo is electrifying.

“Iyi ndi nyimbo ya fuko langa, my daily worship, ndikuvutika simunandisiye chonchi. Kundionetsa ufumu wanu, kundipatsa chi plot, nde kulikonseko tikangapiteko tili limodzi. Abale ndi alongo zikavuta amathawa ,” hesings in the song.

In Ngati Inu, the rapper calls upon the camaraderie of gifted Lulu and gospel artist Kelvin Sings. The song comes out as if it was a contest for the three to show the world what they know best.

The effect of Lulu and Kelvin Sings is crucial in taming the high-charged Gwamba who from the first melody appears to fly away with his rap verses. Kelvin Sings, with his laid-back style brings the rapper back to earth with his moderated lines on the chorus.

His lyrics are woven with elements that resonate with the street language. This should certainly win him a youthful audience.

The artist said he feels he has now settled in his new space and is ready to express himself the way he knows best.

“It was a new space. I still had to learn one or two things and find a new way how to approach my art. Now I have settled in and the output has begun to show,” he said.

Art critic Hessie Ndevu, who is also a staff associate in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, described the album as a mature package that has revealed the seriousness of the artist’s craft based on his consistency in releasing full albums rather than just dropping singles.

“He seems to have taken a step back from being a mainstream gospel rapper. He appears to go back to the secular touch though the gospel themes are still present in his songs.”

The album features Kell Kay, Quest, Lolli Native, My Soul Acapella, Nthondwa, Toria, Daniel Nabbi, and Charisma.