TAWANDA CHARI
When Adrian Tate released Grateful in May 2017, it was a relatively quiet drop—one of those albums that never really shook the mainstream but has aged like fine wine. Over the years, it has proven to be an undiscovered gem, a project that deserved more recognition than it got. It’s a familiar story—great books, films and albums often go unnoticed in their time, only to be appreciated much later. And in the realm of Zimbabwean R&B, Grateful is one of the best examples of this phenomenon.
At the time of its release, Grateful didn’t quite establish itself as the definitive R&B standard, but those who listened knew. There was critical acclaim, yes, but mainstream success? Not quite. To be fair, Ekeskuzu Me was a massive No.1 radio hit and Zvaunoita held the airwaves hostage for a solid year. But the album as a whole never reached those heights. And that’s a shame because, in retrospect, Grateful is one of the finest albums across genres to ever come out of Zimbabwe.
The Vocal Brilliance of Adrian Tate
There’s no talking about Grateful without talking about Adrian Tate’s voice. His vocal control is exceptional—effortlessly smooth yet powerful when needed. His range, the emotion in his delivery and the sheer clarity of his tone make for a captivating listen. There’s a certain purity in the way he expresses love, passion and vulnerability, elevating each track beyond just good songwriting.
And speaking of songwriting—Grateful is masterfully written. The lyrical depth on this album is rare for R&B, a genre that often thrives on vibes more than penmanship. Every song feels intentional, carrying themes of love, commitment and devotion, all expressed with poetic elegance. There’s an authenticity in how Adrian Tate writes about relationships—never forced, never generic. It’s personal and that’s why it relates so deeply.
Production and Musical Craftsmanship
Beyond his vocal and songwriting prowess, Adrian Tate also flexed his skills as a producer, crafting most—if not all—of Grateful himself. And it shows. The production is pristine, a seamless blend of R&B, Afrobeats and touches of pop. The sound is rich, layered and well-balanced, with instrumentation that never overpowers the vocals but enhances them. His guitar work, in particular, is a highlight—adding an organic, soulful feel that makes the music warm and immersive.
The album thrives in its versatility. It’s not a one-dimensional R&B project; instead, it incorporates different influences while maintaining cohesion. The production quality is top-tier, easily rivaling international releases. If Grateful had received the push it deserved, perhaps in some capacity from himself as well, it could have redefined the expectations for Zimbabwean R&B and Pop production.
Some Standout Tracks
While the album is great as a whole, some tracks shine even brighter.
Hakuna Mumwe – A heartfelt declaration of devotion, affirming that there’s no one else for him but her. It’s a simple yet powerful love anthem, the kind that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever been certain about their person.
Zvaunoita – The ultimate love-struck anthem. It captures that indescribable feeling of being in love—the butterflies, the unexplainable joy. It was a hit for a reason; this song is timeless.
Mashura – A poetic pledge to do anything for the one he loves, as long as she agrees to be with him. The production, the delivery—everything about this song works.
Pakura – A mature, refined take on love, with a title that loosely translates to “Serving.” The songwriting and delivery make it a standout.
Manyemwe – A song that captures the feeling of being made to feel special, to the point of playful pride. The production is lush, the melodies infectious.
Chokwadi – The confession: “The truth is, I love you.” Simple, raw, and deeply moving.
Collaborations and Features
Tate didn’t go at it alone. Grateful features strong collaborations with some of Zimbabwe’s finest—Tytan, Karizma, the late Cal Vin, and Tulk Munny. Each guest artist adds a unique touch, complementing Tate’s artistry while keeping the focus on the album’s core themes of love and relationships.
Final Thoughts: An Album That Deserves More
Looking back, Grateful is a landmark project that should have set a new standard for Zimbabwean R&B. It’s beautifully produced, masterfully written and vocally outstanding. Yet, it remains one of those albums that too many people slept on.
Maybe it was ahead of its time. Maybe it needed more industry push. But one thing is certain—those who know, know. And for those who don’t, it’s never too late to press play and appreciate one of the best albums Zimbabwe has ever seen.
If there’s any justice, Grateful will get the recognition it deserves, even years after its release.
You can stream the project below:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/68hXSn8zoe9bYm3B3EV8Va?si=I4i64TbpSkqplrvF98c4jw
YouTube:
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