TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
There can be no doubt that there has been a sharp surge in the consumption of local music in the past recent years, and this has been really beautiful to witness. The big reason for this is also that there has been a new crop of artists that has been fulfilling this demand for domestic music, especially among audiences of younger ages. This is what we have always wanted to see, given how much we have extensively documented (and continue to) this rising wave of extraordinaire artists.
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| The cover for Karvment mixtape by OCD's Karville. |
So we have figured it is right that we provide a terse list of some of the projects we think are artistically brilliant. This exercise is meant to shine a light on the remarkable artistry we are witnessing. 2025 has already blessed us with some dope projects from the new school, and this is what this piece is all about (we promise to do this every quarter). It covers albums, EPs, and mixtapes (hence we use the word 'projects'). So, let's get into it.
5. 'Try Me?!' by Lain
Just when the year was starting, Off Centre Department's (OCD) Lain delivered her new mixtape Try Me?! and it showed some steady growth from the artist. Oozing confidence, her sound tilts more towards hip-hip sounds, and she provides listeners such a refreshing experience. We love this project for its boldness and lyrical dexterity. This is the project that gave us Daidza Ishe featuring Bagga, a song worthy of plenty repeats. While there isn't any overarching theme in the project – because, well, it is a mixtape – we love Lain's versatility, as she provides good raps and melodies. Her potential shines throughout.
4. 'Hosanna' by Bling4
The hip-hip star released his debut album Hosanna last month, and one could say the wait was worth it all these years. Hosanna is an album with a spiritual and religious touch to it, evidenced by the opening track (which is also the title track) Hosanna. This is an album with features from Saintfloew, Freeman HKD, Tamy Moyo, and Runna Rulez. And most importantly, it has Hope Dzandairota featuring Voltz JT (forgive my bias). The one thing I would have wanted more from the album was for it to be a bit longer (and it seems it has been removed from Spotify). The positive is that hebhas released visuals for some of the standout tracks in the album—Hope Dzandairota ft Voltz JT, Vekudzinza, Tingori Two ft Tamy Moyo, Boyz Rangu ft Runna Rulez, and Hosanna.
3. 'Nyamadrive II' by Kayflow
Ah, mfana wepajecha with that AfroJecha vibe. Kayflow is back with the second instalment of Nyamadrive, a scintillating array of what he terms AfroJecha. Riding high on the positive reception of last year's Nyamadrive, Kayflow saw it befitting to give us a new EP this year. Nyamadrive 2. When listening to it, you can clearly get the picture of what Kayflow is trying to do with his AfroJecha experiment. It picks off from where he left last year; his pen game continues to get sharp, and we absolutely love his chemistry with Bagga (he is featured on two of the songs in the five-track, Mukati and Chidhumo naMasendeke). Bagga adds a rich texture to the project, complementing Kayflow's brilliance perfectly. This second instalment of Nyamadrive inclines more towards merry vibes, and that is what AfroJecha is about—vibe to the tunes, forget your worries. My personal favourite from this is Mukati, featuring Bagga. One thing I will say is that with Kayflow, you cannot skip any track. Manake is more on the motivational tip, and Kayflow is always good with this. And also, I now want an album from him.
2. 'Shaqu The Album' by Shaqu
Released in February, Shaqu came through with the self-titled album and this is one of the projects I found to be very impactful. Specifically for the reason that I felt this was a long time coming for Shaqu, an artist we had watched for a considerable time; and always mesmerised with his art. As we wrote in a review when it came out, the album 'stands out for its crisp, groovy production and relaxed flows'. It is a strictly rap album, showcasing Shaqu's unmatched lyrical prowess and an ear for fine beats. It provides a comprehensive outlook about Shaqu's worldview. For him, it's all about music laden with substance, but also boasting effervescence. What I wish is for Shaqu to get more of the limelight because I believe he truly has what it takes to shine on bigger stages. His brand of hip-hip is exactly what's good for ZimHipHop. As we said in our previous review of his album, 'the world is his for the taking'. We stand by that.
1. 'Karvment' by Karville
My absolute favourite project so far. And before I go any further, give me the opportunity to say Karville is immensely gifted. The Off Centre Dept artist (oh look, we have another OCD artist on the list 🙂) released his mixtape Karvment on 03 April, 2025, and for me this was such a happy moment. I have been a huge fan of Karville for the longest time now, and I had always waited for a solo project. And he delivered! Karvment stands out for its rich musical power, with Karville delving into pop, RnB, hip hop, and alt-pop sounds. It's one of the most lovely projects I have listened to this year (which is why it takes the number one spot obviously). All the collaborations with fellow artists Icey Ekxne and Slyme Foxx are simply marvellous. Icey and Slyme are featured on Musango (the opening track), and Chatsemuka (the closing track). We also have Famba, which features renowned South African producer MashBeatz and Slyme Foxx—an exceptional track especially in its production qualities and inspirational appeal. Icey features on Pangu Pangu. I do not skip any tracks on this project. But the standout tracks are Musango, Famba, Chitekete (what a beautiful ode to love it is), Anozvigona and Chatsemuka. But this is my preference. But yeah, this one of the best so far.
Honourable mention: 'Pariah' by Shona Prince
An unparalleled album. But it won't get into my list because Takura is no longer new school. He is an OG, guiding and inspiring the new school. But Pariah was so damn good I give it an honourable mention here.
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