Tremour: hiding in plain sight?

When musician Tremour released his first single Mpanipani on January 7 this year, he captured the attention of music critics some of whom proclamed he will be the next Lawi.

On the one hand, the song sounds like a spiritual, but on the other, it gives assurance to individuals, who despise themselves because of other people’s successes, that they can also make it in life.

The song has a relatable message and one cannot help it but appreciate the delicate balance that he brings out between spirituality and reality.

Tremour sings in part:

“Kodi uli sure, mphamvu zako zonse ukasonkhetsa, tandiuza uli serious, kukhala potelopo msozi mkumakhetsa

“Walimba mtima, wasting minutes stressing, spending hours regretting, amnzako ali kalikiliki kugogoda ma gate

“A Chakwera ali ndi story, sanayambe chonchi peza nthawi ufufuze

Simama ali ndi story, enawa nduwadziwa bwino anali a ma book ndi newspaper

“Usaziyike pa pressure, success yawo isakupatse mpanipani”

Only you know yourself better, there is one version of you, ulipo wekha..”

Despite the richness of the song’s lyrics, its catchy and danceable beat and the beautiful silky voice, the artist is yet to breakthrough in regular events. One wonders if Tremour is deliberately hiding in plain sight to create enough folders for his performances perhaps.

“No, I have not been hiding my talent. It is not easy to make a name and become a house holdname. I am patient, just like the song Mpanipani says, I am waiting, my time will come,” he told On The Arts in an interview on Friday.

Tremour artist, has now released an extended playlist (EP) titled Golide Mu Moto which comprises six songs.

The songs have a recurring theme of the artist’s thoughts about life.

In the song Anaubhebhetsa, Tremour talks about man as God’s creation. He encourages positive outlook in humans, bearing in mind the various insecurities that arise due to one’s appearance.

In part the song goes: “Sanataye nthawi mwa ine

Anati ndimulenge muchifanizo changa ndimutere

I am made of glory and greatness, moyo wanga anaubhebhetsa

Too many, many, decorations

Complexion taitcheka

Plenty plus decorations

Cool lifestyle taitcheka

Too many, many, decorations

Fanizo la namalenga

Ah iwe

Pathupi pangapa palibe foul

Liri exactly momwe linachokera kwawo

Chabwino chilema chinachita kudza

Kunalembedwa sikuti mnafuna…”

In the title track Golide Mu Moto, the artist reminds everyone that before one gets to experience the sweet, one must sweat.

“It is a song that reminds us that we have to go through the most before we get to enjoy the fruits of our hard labour,” he said.

In Mudzi, the message is simple and positive. Encouraging people to live in peace with others despite their differences.

“So, you can see the direction of my music is all about positive living and this EP is all about that,” he said.

Tremour, born Victor Chatonda Yaphama, started his music in 2010.

“Then I was doing rap music until 2016 when I discovered that I was better off doing Afro pop and reggae dancehall genre,” he said.

The musician says though his music has gospel traits, he is not a gospel artist.

“I am here to send positive vibes about life through my music. I am a believer so obviously the Bible inspires me. But I can also sing about love or HIV and Aids in a positive and encouraging way. That is my focus,” he said.

The artist further said he tries to create music that is sensible and positive to stand the test of time.

He said: “I mainly use everyday life experiences. I write about my personal experiences as well as those of people around me. I see people who work hard every day to feed their families and they are still struggling. Those ones need encouragement and it is our responsibility as artists to encourage them so that they do not feel like failures.”

Commenting on Tremour’s art, music promoter and artists manager Levi Msakambewa described it as pure gold.

He said: “Tremour came at the same time as Driemo. I expected him to have the same level of success as Driemo, but I guess it will eventually happen. His voice is so great, his compositions are on point and whatever he is cooking next I expect greatness. He is extraordinary and he should keep up the pace.”

Locally, Tremour, who is a barber, is inspired by Lawi, Patience Namadingo and the late Wambali Mkandawire. The artist’s new EP Golide Mu Moto is officially out.