TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA & TAWANDA CHARI
Veteran MC and wordsmith Dumi Right returns with Foreword to the Future, an introspective body of work that feels more like a meditative journal than a flashy rap record. It’s a project that dials down the sonic bravado for something far more grounded. Jazzy, groovy, subdued, almost minimalist in its soundscape, it is a haven for purists. The beats don’t necessarily leap out of the speakers, but that’s intentional. They serve as a calm canvas for Dumi’s lyrical introspection and dexterity, aligning with the thematic direction he sets from the get-go: growth, purpose and legacy.
In a world where hip-hip is now typically associated with flash over substance, Dumi Right -- real name Dumisani Ndlovu -- prioritizes standing with his unfiltered truth. His album is a refreshing reminder of hip-hop's supreme power to enlighten, empower, and furnish healthy doses of optimism. His genuine desire to connect cultures is one that deserves a spotlight. He takes his time to convey inspiring messages, and the biggest highlight of Foreword to the Future is a bold reimagination of the future; something that is in short supply these days.
He draws from his elegant fountain of experience, having been one of the pioneering figures of the game. Although his name might sound new to some, his credentials prove him as more than just a rapper but an unwavering veteran. The world first knew about Dumi Right in the early 90s, when he was part of Zimbabwe Legit (with Akim Ndlovu, simply known as Akim), one of the first African hip-hop groups to record in the United States. They debuted in 1992 with 'Doin' Damage In My Native Language' which was produced by Mista Lawnge of Black Sheep.
And ever since, Dumi Right has remained ensconced in the culture and business of hip-hop, releasing several projects and performing across the world. His influence has been extensively documented in the domestic and international mass media from Billboard, to the Source, Hip Hop Connection, Waxpoetics, as well as in academic works of hip hop history, including Say It Loud! The Story of Rap Music by K. Maurice Jones and The Hip Hop Wars by Tricia Rose.
An unflappable figure in the game, Dumi has been doing this for the longest time. And Foreword to the Future comes as a celebration of the game, infused with an undying commitment to rap. The album feels more like an unhurried love letter to the golden age of hip-hop, while at the same time telegraphing a prescient sense of what it should be—a medium to tell powerful stories, to educate, to inspire, to advocate for a kinder world, to be vulnerable, and to imagine a better future. It is not about him being some forgotten MC reluctant to hang up the boots; it is more about providing a befitting rap portraiture that can inspire the next generation of MCs to pick up the mic and be unapologetic about it. It is about remaining unflinchingly loyal to a craft steeped in classic hip-hop styles, with vivacious and uplifting lyrics.
Opening with 'This Is My Calling', Dumi lays bare his lifelong connection to the mic. Over smooth instrumentation and Nathaniel Star’s soulful hook, he narrates how the journey to finding your calling is rarely linear. Sometimes it’s jagged, sometimes long, but ultimately, it’s all formative. “All the struggles that you go through are the very thing that shape you,” he raps—a line that neatly captures the core ethos of the album.
'Life Is What You Make It' is a that track continues the thread of realism and personal grit. Featuring Chubb Rock, YZ and Chuck D, Dumi speaks to life’s lack of guarantees and the harsh reality that effort doesn’t always equal reward. "Flowers have to be given to the OGs": giants Kool Herc, Rakim, DMX, and Run DMC are named as sources of inspiration in this song, yet acknowledges that not all who dream will make it to those heights. There’s no bitterness here, just clarity: the world isn’t fair and yet, we press on.
A definite admirer of collaborations, 'Tell 'Em' is an intellectual exhortation of what a kinder society can be like. Featuring Sykotek and Outspoken, both from Zimbabwe, it is an uplifting sonic exposition preaching love and peace; and a reminder to transcend the limit-situations capitalist systems imposes on people. The three artists proffer some thought-provoking lyrics crafted to elicit some optimism and resilience from listeners. Tell 'Em was initially released as the frontrunner single for the album, and enquired on how the song came to be, Dumi had this to say:
Outspoken, Sykotek and I have collaborated on a number of songs, starting back during the Covid pandemic. We linked up for a song for a Global artist’s compilation and it turned out amazing. As a result we decided it would be cool to continue this type of collaboration. So when I heard the beat, I just knew that this triumvirate of lyricists would be just the right fit to bless it with something powerful and inspirational. I let go of the reigns and asked Sykotek for his creative thoughts for a hook and I really liked what he came up with. We wanted to create something that showcased each of our voices and skills, but also demonstrated a unity of thought and purpose, with the goal being to inspire and uplift. The song is also unique since it features lyrics in Ndebele, Shona and English. A true triple threat in the best way.
On 'Knew It All', Dumi gets to be vulnerable, and he is not didactic about—just a man reflecting on the mistakes of his life on a funky instrumental. Arguably one of the most personal tracks on the album, Knew It All is about ego, pride, and obviously the vulnerability that comes with such self-reflection. Dumi steps into confessional mode, wrestling with the idea that we can’t do it all alone. The track serves as a reminder that humility is strength and learning to accept your limits is a critical part of personal evolution. It is a bold message to many other men out there: do not be afraid of owning your story, be accountable, and move forward with razor-sharp focus.
One of the beautiful tracks on the album is 'Heart Knows', featuring the cherubic vocals of Sariyah Idan. Romantic love is unravelled to the fullest, gently so, and with much poignance. The heart knows what it wants, the two tell us.
With the track 'Stay Focused', Foreword to the Future broadens its vision. Featuring sharp contributions from Outspoken and Sykotek, Stay Focused is a song of mindfulness and intergenerational responsibility. It’s not just about self. it’s about building something that will outlast you. The trio urges listeners to resist distractions and stay locked in, not just for their own sake, but for those who will come after. He had some nice words as regards featuring Sykotek and Outspoken:
I love working with these guys because they are the ultimate professionals and they always understand the assignment. It's great to work with people with talents that also inspire you and even though we are thousands of miles apart, we are still able to come together creatively for a higher purpose. I feel like the songs and music that we make is timeless. It is also timely in a world full of fear, uncertainty and doubt, hopefully serving as a beacon for a hopeful future.
Throughout the album, Dumi Right masterfully weaves together themes of cultural empowerment, social justice, resilience, personal determination, and the enduring spirit of hip-hop; ever paying homage to the brilliant art of rap and its foundational pillars, and aided with some befitting collaborations.
Tracks such as 'Hungry', 'We Don't Need', 'Inside Outside', and 'What's The Synopsis?' bring this to the fore unequivocally. The production on the album is top-notch—it may feel long-drawn to those accustomed to mainstream strands of hip-hop, but it highlights the excellence of Dumi Right for his attentiveness. Heavily imbued with boom-bap influences, Foreword to the Future sounds as nostalgic as it is equally portentious.
Foreword to the Future isn’t an album that will trend or get so many radio spins. It’s deeply rooted in Dumi Right’s ethos as an elder statesman of hip-hop. Someone who’s less concerned with flash and more invested in substance. While its chilled beats may not hit with immediate impact, they allow space for words to breathe, for reflections to sink in. It’s a slow burn, yes, but a rewarding one. This is rap with soul. Rap with purpose. A quiet foreword to a louder legacy.
Album Rating: 7.8/10
You can listen to the album Foreword to the Future by Dumi Right via the links below:
Bandcamp - https://dumiright.bandcamp.com/album/foreword-to-the-future
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/641ldeBxXmEgw6lsffQa23?si=0Ss0sDSjQFaY_aPPGwdnOQ
YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k90XmGKSKWamdf0k_k9lrdSZJ9ZFienks&si=RvKxqE3NdsjQegvX
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