Riise rises again with 4th album
Reggae artist Nicholas Tselingas alias Riise is set to make a comeback on the music scene with the release of his fourth album, Dangerous Lover.
A 15-year music journey has earned Riise three albums so far; Love Packet, Fever and True Soul. Now after a 10-year-long break, the Blantyre-based artist has brought a 14-track package comprising roots and lover rock reggae.
“Though it seems as if I have been silent, but I have kept myself very productive in the studio. I have been preparing beautiful sounds which are rich. I could not rush to release them before I got satisfied they are alright. Now I am comfortable they are ready for consumption,” he said.
Preceding the album release are four promotional singles; Amrita, Playing With Our Survival and Too Nice. Listening to the songs, one may be mistaken to think Riise is a foreign artist. His touch and vocal ability retains an international feel.
In Playing With Our Survival, the Chigumula resident addresses social-political challenges that continue to rock the country, placing emphasis on issues of inequality and the lack of care that politicians show to the people they are govern.
“Universities are just about money. So hard. No proper rules, we need you our rulers. Teach us to come together, work together, and love one another. Only you, our rightful ruler…they are playing with our survival, hook us back and put us on the back of their fingers”…goes the song in part.
Two female artists, Tesse and Vereenah provided backing vocals for Riise and the melodies added a new dimension to the compositions. The artist said he has deliberately brought in some elements to make it relatable to the local audience.
Riise said: “I made sure I took the Malawian audience on board. I have added Chichewa verses and there is also a track titled Kadona which has been done in Yao. This has been done to make it familiar with Malawians who are passionate about reggae music.”
The artist has featured other artists in the album such as Nepman, who appears in the title track Dangerous Lover. The album was recorded at Crystalab Music Records in Blantyre. It has been produced by Dan Tambulasi popularly known as Don-T.
The artist said the album launch is set for April. Riise was the previous co-owner of Euphonic Sounds Studio together with fellow reggae dancehall artist Trumel.
