Prince Mushawevato —
JAH Prayzah’s former dancer and backing vocalist, Pamela “Gonyeti” Zulu’s introductory album, “One Day”, is a complete summary of how the artiste feels following her untimely departure from Third Generation Band.
Gonyeti narrates her agony and hope in just about every track. The songs are artistically arranged. There is continuation in the message from the opening song up to the very last note.
Perseverance, plots/sub-plots, unfairness and the power of prayer make up themes of the album.
“One Day” is a dazzling first effort that makes good listening. However, one can be pardoned for concluding the project could have easily been even much better had the artiste dedicated a bit more time to it.
The album was released barely two months after Gonyeti acrimoniously parted ways with Jah Prayzah and there is evidence of a bit of a rush in putting it together.
But that the rushed effort sounds so good is testament to the fact that Gonyeti is a talented musician who is destined for greater things should she stay focused.
The decision to hurriedly produce the album is understandable. She had to show the clean break from Third Generation Band, and she had to capitalise on the publicity generated by the departure.
Whatever the reason, she won! Showbiz is all about seizing opportunities. The launch generated a buzz, and the content has not disappointed, with “One Day” receiving favourable airplay on radio and in clubs.
Gonyeti’s experience in the music industry, gained from the days she was lead vocalist at Jabavu Drive and the time she spent at the high-flying Third Generation Band, is evident on the six-track effort.
Her appetite for success is certainly going to see her go places considering only a handful of female artistes in the country have her kind of zeal and courage. Add that voice and you have the makings of a star.
The vocals are gripping and she delivers her message with precision. The icing comes in the form of well-crafted beats throughout the album. Gonyeti’s beats are danceable, never mind the heavy and poignant lyrics that accompany some of them. The title track is sorrowful and the opening track “Bhande” — featuring Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu — tells quite a story.
She croons, “… kukwira nekudzika nhasi uno zvanaka, takanobuda Gauteng kusina chakabuda … ndinopera seiko ini ndabata bhande, haa pasi handichadzika varume.”
And Sulu’s star power adds to the already potent mix.
“It was nice working with Gonyeti. She certainly is talented and knows what she wants. This is a good effort,” said Sulu in reference to the album.
Sulu’s lead guitarist Knowledge Nkoma, who runs KBN Studios where the album was recorded, adds: “She created a unique brand of music different from that of others. She is easy to work with because of her vast experience in music. Our producer Oscar Chamba did great with the project and is ready to take her places.”
Gonyeti puts riddles to good use in her songs. In “Ndakabva Kure”, which has a heavy feel of mbaqanga rhythms, she sings “Gonyeti riye razomhanya kupfura Discovery.”
The word “gonyeti” is colloquial for a haulage truck. And Jah Prayzah drives a Discovery 4. Enough said. While clearly emotionally burdened, Gonyeti somehow does well not to let this baggage make the album a dirge and a drag.
Her messages, though personal, sound universal and anyone can relate to them. “Mafaro Chete” encourages people to rejoice to Gonyeti’s music. In the traditional contemporary song, she also reminds us that every action we take has a bearing to our lives in the end.
Gonyeti seems to justify the decisions she has made about her career in “Chiwoniwoni”. The album closes with the mellow gospel song “Ndinotenda”, in which she thanks God for His love and care.
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