I had to have this review ready by 11am yesterday morning, keywords being ‘had to’ but the layers of beauty within this album were too overwhelming. I kept starting to type the review and always got lost within a sentence, simply hypnotized by the entrancing sounds on Zaki’s latest offering.
It is often said that great music takes you on a journey yet you don’t really find a lot of albums that are true to that motif, thus it’s always a refreshing surprise when one finds a certifiable classic. I went through one of these moments of surprise on Thursday night at the exclusive media launch for Zaki Ibrahim's latest album EVERY OPPOSITE that was held in the heart of Braamfontein.
The multi-talented songstress whose accolades include working with Erykah Badu, Spoek Mathambo, Nick Holder, DJ Kent, Culoe De Song, Tumi and the Volume, K’naan and Mos Def (just to name a few) is a Canadian born South African citizen who’s well known for her unique and eclectic sound. Her sound is a blend of Hip Hop, soulful Jazz, spoken word and a dash of realism, which transcends into the real world and gently lulls you within its entrancing melodies.
The international quality of the production on this album is made possible by the talents of Tiago Correira Paulo (Tumi and the Volume \ 340ml), Rich Kidd, Wawesh, Sthembiso ‘Instro’ Herimbi, Richard Rumney (aka Richard the Third), Dj Catalist Nick Holder and Zaki herself, the involvement of such heavyweights is evident through songs that evoke images of dancing until dawn in a smoky club deep in the city’s underground. That is not the album’s prize musical trump card though, with that honour going to Zaki’s distinct voice. It is her voice which adds the finer details to the visual landscapes her songs paint so masterfully.
The songs which standout on the album are
Draw the Line: The drum heavy production on the song is definitely my favourite off the whole album. This is one song that would be extremely amazing to see performed with a band playing live instruments. The marriage between Zaki’s voice and the instrumentals on this track is one that will stay in your memory for ever.
Something in the Water: This track was featured on the Otello Burning’s soundtrack mixtape (another project where Zaki and Tumi Molekane *of Tumi and The Volume* worked excellently together). The song has a very chilling atmosphere about it, accentuated by a rippling bass over some minimalistic beats. It is easy to see why this was the album’s lead single, I believe this to be some of Dj Catalist’s (Alister Johnson) best production and combined with Zaki’s soulful singing guarantee an experience like no other.
Kids are Talking: I got lost within the song for a while as I was hypnotised by each of its layers, I found myself getting so entranced that my interpretation of the song kept changing with every listen. Eventually I settled on the idea that simply put, this song is there to give a voice to the voiceless so that their struggles can be heard. Deep within we are all kids struggling to get their voices heard over the din of everyday life and this song is anthemic to that idea, which is what I believe will make this a popular favourite.
Heart Beat (Nick Holder Mix) (Bonus Track): Pairing up with a legend of the underground dance scene was a great move for Zaki and the fruits of these two artists’ labours is a song that is set to result in some fiery times on the dancefloor with people forgetting the winter chills. This song kind of reminds me of “Something about You”, but I believe the minimal tech feel to it is a very welcome addition. I am waiting curiously to see if other DJs \ Producers are going to be brave enough to make other remixes of this song that can easily be the new song that brings all the races together in dance.
It was difficult to settle on a selection of tracks that stand out from the album simply because the each of the tracks within this album is an example in perfection, to make things even better, if you take the same tracks and put them together into album such as this you have a very powerful example of what artistic expression is. Through this album (her third) I think we have the clearest window into the force of nature that is Zaki.
The album is dropping on Monday (4th June 2012) and will be available from all major music retailers.
Do I suggest you get a copy? No, the mere existance of this album is enough of a suggestion that you need to get yourself a copy! If you are a lover of beautiful music or need a CD that you will have on constant repeat, then your feet are going to be pointed in the direction of your favourite music outlet come Monday the 4th of June.
COMPETITION TIME!!!
The G Spot is set to interview Zaki on Tuesday and we're giving you out there a chance to win an autographed copy of EVERY OPPOSITE. All you have to do is:
The G Spot is set to interview Zaki on Tuesday and we're giving you out there a chance to win an autographed copy of EVERY OPPOSITE. All you have to do is:
· 'Like' the facebook page for The G Spot (find it here http://www.facebook.com/TheKingPimp.TheGSpot ) or alternatively using the like button on the right)
· Tweet (using the Share to Twitter button below) about this competition to your followers
· Include a question you would like us to ask Zaki on Tuesday by either writing it on the wall of The G Spot's page on facebook or alternatively writing it below as a comment.
The winner will be announced on Monday by 7pm (C.A.T)