TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
If there is anything to drive home about Kayflow's latest Nyamadrive EP, it definitely has to be about his willingness to take his time in order to birth new creative products. His new EP reflects an artist who makes a convincing case that he is serious about creating new sounds that can resonate with many.
We see Kayflow coming forth with what he terms Afro Jecha, a new sound movement that makes him diverge from his traditional serious rap sounds. Acutely aware of the season of the year, Nyamadrive EP encapsulates a sound for summer vibes, ready to carry you to the dancefloor while appreciating his remarkable artistry.
Kayflow's music is entering an admirable metamorphosis where he is forging new creative ground while at the same time maintaining the original essence of what Kayflow music is. That takes special talent to orchestrate; and Nyamadrive EP is replete with this aspect. The EP is the perfect embodiment of the versatility Kayflow needs to break into new markets.
So here we have Afro Jecha vibes, a brilliant appendage to Kayflow's near-immaculate discography. It is a vision espoused by Kayflow, ably understood by Nasper Incoming under the unwavering aegis of DJ Tamuka. Afro Jecha is a new sound that beautifully conflates alternative sounds with rap elements, creating a uniquely novel listening experience.
Nyamadrive is opened by Gede, which features the ever-brilliant Takura with his vocal projection that borders on the ethereal, while showcasing excellent writing skills. It is demonstrably clear: Gede is the anthem for the season. It has a party feel to it that paints Kayflow in a new light; a rapper who has decided to descend into the arena of merry-making. Gede is a smooth track with a picturesque video, bringing to life the whole essence of the EP.
It is refreshing seeing Kayflow delve into these sounds, portending an era of his peak creative period. V.I.P Kana Mbombera further exemplifies Kayflow's approach to Nyamadrive—sweet, simple, yet elegant. The track closes off with burbling guitar strums that furnish the sonic experience of what Nyamadrive is striving to achieve—the sonic intelligence of Afro Jecha. There is nothing to take away from what Kayflow has offered. His eye for collaborations also gives Afro Jecha a flair of looser and funkier vibes, as Nutty O comes on Musi Watamuka, delivering percolating grooves that anchor Nyamadrive EP.
In all this, Kayflow did not miss the opportunity to infuse lyrics that remain consumed with dread. Vana Vepasi is laden with the cries of existential dread gnawing at Kayflow's consciousness. He usually excels with this type of rap meditation—Ramba Wakadzvanya, Sei Sei, and Usamira are perfect examples of this—but on this he caught us by surprise. Creating a tune like Vana Vepasi within the framework of Afro Jecha is an intelligent musical effort.
The same is carried on in the song Tariro, which closes off Nyamadrive with a solemn prayer for better days in these searing times. Kayflow croons on this one, bringing his sociopolitical and existential dread to a befitting climax. LXA is unmatched on the production, producing a lush instrumental allowing Kayflow to be as comfortable as possible as he conveys meaning to his audiences. It is abundantly clear that Kayflow did not succumb to the paralyzing pressure of releasing a new project.
The best highlight of Nyamadrive EP is the near-telepathic chemistry between Kayflow and Nasper, as well as Kayflow and LXA. Nothing feels rushed, and one gets a sense that Afro Jecha is what we may have needed all this while. Afro Jecha is sunny, pillowy, potent, and thrilling. I feel this is the best way I can describe Kayflow's latest offering.
EP Rating - 8/10
You can listen on Spotify.
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