TAWANDA CHARI & TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
Harare based hip-hop artist Desire Chirinda, better known as Shaqu, introduces himself with his debut album Shaqu the Album, a self-titled project that stands out for its crisp, groovy production and relaxed flows. The 23-year-old from Sunningdale, crafts a body of work that balances sonic smoothness and an impressive ear for beats that elevate his delivery.
With 16 tracks, the album doesn’t lean into a single overarching theme but instead explores different facets of Shaqu’s worldview—relationships, hustling, and the ever-present Christian influence that serves as a foundation for his artistry.
While his approach remains versatile, his recurring reminders to pray and stay focused add a unifying thread to the album’s narrative.
The project boasts solid collaborations, featuring Dj Panaxe on Kure, Mycole Biller and Admiral General on Panze (and it really feels good listening to Mycole Biller's raps), R Peels on Excuse Me, Kayflow on Nobody Knows, and Leoy V on Madhora.
Standout Tracks:
MuRudo - A deeply emotive track, MuRudo captures the essence of romantic disillusionment. It tells the story of a girl who has given up on a guy because she knows he doesn’t care about love. Shaqu takes on the role of breaking the news, delivering it with a melancholic yet smooth flow that enhances the song’s weight.
Kure ft. Dj Panaxe: Distance is a relationship killer, and Kure encapsulates that harsh reality. Shaqu and Dj Panaxe paint a picture of love slipping away due to physical or emotional detachment. The song resonates beyond just long-distance relationships; it speaks to any situation where one partner mentally checks out, making the other feel distant even when physically present.
Nobody Knows ft. Kayflow: A reflective piece, Nobody Knows emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the importance of living with no regrets. Shaqu and Kayflow urge listeners to do their best, take care of their people, and face their fears head-on. It’s a motivational anthem wrapped in a smooth, vibey soundscape. Kayflow brings his best game on this one, delving into his usual deep lyricism to provide the perfect atmosphere for such a deep listening experience. He makes rap something you want to listen to all the time.
Zviroto: On Zviroto, Shaqu highlights the gap between dreams and reality, touching on how many people aspire to a better life but fall into self-destructive cycles—particularly alcoholism—that hinder progress. The song is both a cautionary tale and a reminder that despite their struggles, people still hold onto their aspirations.
APA: This track stands out for its seriousness. The immediacy of discarding undesirable traits for a successful life takes centre-stage; aided by an instrumental that amplifies such seriousness. Guidance and confidence are indispensable in this life, Shaqu tells us.
Shaqu the Album solidifies Shaqu as an artist with a keen ear for production and a knack for blending substance with style. While the album lacks a singular overarching theme, its exploration of relationships, hustle, and faith provides a well-rounded listening experience.
For an artist who has been active in the game for a considerably long time now, but on the peripheries, this album feels very justifiable. You can feel that it has been a long time coming for this one, and everything about the album introduces Shaqu to the game in a wonderful way.
One can feel that given more time, Shaqu is going to stamp his authority in ZimHipHop with improved conviction as time goes on.
The world is his for the taking. It is within his grasp.
And of course, the relaxed cadence and smooth flows make it an easy yet impactful listen. Such is his talent.
For those looking for a project that combines groove, introspection, and faith-driven motivation, Shaqu the Album is definitely worth a spin.
Stream the album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZjbTpCQx8ut7zJi56beoU?si=NWGzPzc5Rd2CL-uXhyubig
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