WELCOME to the first edition of this weekly column Free Bars, which tackles music issues, artist profiles, album and music video reviews. In the context of hip-hop/urban music “bars” are the rap lines or lyrics performed by musicians.
free bars with Sindiso Dube
Bulawayo rapper Cal_Vin (pictured right) last year became an overnight hip-hop king, from struggling to get his music played on local radio stations to an international collaboration with South African star Casspper Nyovest on Z’Khuphani remix. There is no doubt, Cal_Vin, real name Mgcini Nhliziyo is the most valuable player in music circles.
Cal_Vin launched his latest album Planet Vin a fortnight ago, the same night Jah Prayzah launched his album Mdhara Vachauya in Bulawayo. Some music critics described him as over ambitious by trying to compete with a well-established artist like Jah Prayzah. However, Cal_Vin’s launch was well-attended.
Prior to the 16-track album launch, Cal_Vin said Planet Vin would demonstrate his lyrical prowess, hence the title Planet Vin which means that his art is alien and out of this world. Listening to the whole album, there is no doubt that the hip hop star’s lyricism is out of this world — throwing in metaphors and catchy hooks/choruses.
On the first track, the rapper boasts of his recent achievements, from being a regular ghetto boy to a nationally-recognised artist, who headlines big shows in the country. The Bulawayo-based musician became an overnight face of hip-hop — from managing a collaboration with Cassper Nyovest, winning big at last year’s Zim hip-hop awards, headlining festivals to being the most-sought-after artist to support big names like Winky D and Jah Prayzah whenever they invade Bulawayo.
On the second track, My Damn self which was produced by McZee, Cal_Vin boasts about how he made it all alone. He chides fellow rappers who perform for free in exchange of the so-called “we giving you exposure”.
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Another track to single out is My Life, where he talks of how he loves the way he is living and how he has grown up to be a man without his father around.
Izandla Emoyeni, featuring Asaph, from the trap beat, lyrics and the catchy hook the track can make it on any club playlist. Izandla Emoyeni means to put your hands in the air, which is a common trait in night clubs or live shows as revellers express their enjoyement.
On the track titled, BYO Got Hot Chics, the rapper praises some Bulawayo women like former Miss Zimbabwe Samantha Tshuma, DJ Liz, DJ Miss Pam and Alaina, among others.
In terms of lyrical content Cal_Vin did justice and affirmed his position as one of the best lyricists in the country. However, I can say his latest album failed to surpass the levels he set with last year album Year of The Vin.
It was his breakthrough into the industry with tracks like King, Bona, What Are We to Do, Samadlane, Ngenela, Ngigcwale Ngawe and the chart-topping Z’Khuphani. The album won him three gongs at Zim Hip-hop Awards — Best Album, Best Male and Song of the Year. On top of that, the album featured Africa’s biggest name in hip-hop Cassper Nyovest, which affirmed Cal_Vin’s rap throne.
Prior to the production of the album Planet Vin, which initially was titled Bars of Gold, one would have believed that Cal_Vin was going to go regional with his latest offering due to his frequent visits to South Africa where he featured on numerous radio stations. He also met a number of artists in South Africa and there were high expectations that his album would feature top artists from that country.
However, Cal_Vin featured little known GTI, Mawiza, Percy, Jungle Boi and Lilian on the album when we expected to see big names. Notable names on the album are Asaph, Begotten Sun and Takura.
With Year of the Vin, Cal_Vin was more hungrier to prove a point to the country and the world of hip-hop. Last year, the Luveve bred artist unleashed the beast out of him and prepared an album, which was difficult to contest.
The album attracted awards and international recognition. I feel this time, he could have done better than this. This is an average 6/10 album.
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