TAWANDA CHARI
Mbare’s own Seh Calaz has once again tapped into his soulful side with the release of the second edition of his Lovers Reggae album—a welcome revisit to the sound that arguably represents the best version of the artist we’ve come to know. The project follows the 2018 release of the first edition, a body of work that remains one of his most mature and well-executed pieces to date. And while the sequel may find itself living slightly in the shadow of its predecessor, it nonetheless reaffirms one undeniable truth: Lovers Reggae is Seh Calaz’s true forte.
The 2018 edition of Lovers Reggae was a masterclass in lyrical depth, and sonic maturity. Produced by Cymplex Records, both projects boast crisp production that allow Calaz’s vocals to soar effortlessly over the smooth reggae instrumentation. It was on the first edition that he delivered a beautiful rendition of the late John Chibadura’s 1989 classic Mudiwa Janet—a nostalgic, soulful reimagining of the song. Calaz displayed remarkable vocal flexibility, paying homage to one of Zimbabwe’s music legends while injecting his own signature style into the track.
And this is the essence of Calaz’s magic with Lovers Reggae: his voice, naturally textured with an emotive grit, finds its perfect home in this genre. The rawness that often defines his dancehall offerings is refined into something smoother; something more mature when he rummages into these reggae rhythms. He sounds grown, polished, and undeniably authentic—a stark contrast to some of the social media antics and controversy that tend to overshadow his artistry.
The visuals for the first Lovers Reggae album were a standout element, too. Clean, cinematic, and well-directed, they complemented the maturity of the music itself. It’s the kind of content that should be immortalized across all digital streaming platforms (DSPs) for a wider audience to appreciate. For fans who might have missed that first installment, its absence on major platforms feels like a disservice to a catalogue that showcases the very best of Seh Calaz.
The new installment carries on this tradition with more laid-back yet emotionally charged records. While the production maintains its high standard, Calaz’s vocal command remains the star of the show. On stage, these Lovers Reggae tracks translate into compelling performances. The music demands less of the usual rowdy energy and more of the listener’s emotional attention—and Calaz delivers with seasoned confidence.
As he moves forward, it might be worth considering whether Seh Calaz should embrace this sound more consistently. Lovers Reggae presents him as an artist who has grown, who has found a niche that aligns effortlessly with his vocal strengths.
Stream here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/00JzYynH3pUuCLAE6NVcC0?si=5GAFFv7kSXKoSNbz60gdgw
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sehcalazlive?si=XKL8GrRYm-zftTMU
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