It has often been said that one good turn deserves another. Simple logic, yet a sure recipe for success. Replace "turn" with "EP" and you get the thinking behind the second chapter to Kayflow's Nyamadrive.
However while logical, the sequel to any story often has the added pressure of being compared to it's predecessor. The shackles of expectation. A binding that may flaw it's reception, yet Kayflow seems to not have this weight from his shoulders.
Nyamadrive 2 once again sees the rapper delivering feel good anthems inspired by his childhood home. The stories from Gweru's Senga neighbourhood are brought to life over Afrojecha instrumentals weaved together by Kayflow's longtime collaborator Nasper Incoming.
The sound that was announced to the world with the first project feels like it has added layer to it. It's reggae influences are louder and Kayflow's lyrics more intricate. Although still brief in nature with only 5 tracks.
While Nyamadrive was Afrojecha's arrival, Nyamadrive 2 is the sub genre planting it's roots. This has been supported by the sound going beyond Kayflow and Nasper Incoming, an expansion Afrojecha certainly needs more of.
The project kicks off with the salacious "Maria," a record that revells in sexual attraction. Centred on a woman that has caught Kayflow's eye and more, the track sees the singer asking what it will take to win her heart. There's an infectious rhythm complimented by clever wordplay and sexual innuendo: "Muviri wako temberi ini ndongoda ndipinde/Mumunda mako rega ndirime, handisi simbe."
Nyamadrive 2 has the same balance of embracing revellry, and defiance in the face of our everyday struggles, that made the first EP successful. The end result is a feeling that we're more than our troubles.
"Mukati" delivers a party anthem with a dancehall undercurrent, that sees Kayflow and Bagga once again collaborating. It is vibrant, and care free but the lyricism is still as intricate as deep reflections: "Dhongingo iri kunaka kuita kunge tsoritsotso/Mudikinyira kubata tsotsi kupfura ngojo/Senga nehosho dzinorohwa dzichipinda moto."
On a parallel wavelength, the Tatenda LXA produced "Zunza" calls women to the dance floor to put their waists to work. It has a slower tempo than the rest of the project, yet is still reflective of the project's mood.
"Manake" turns away from revellry, yet it is the EP's pièce de résistance. A sober crowning moment that showcases Kayflow's brilliance as a lyricist and songwriter. It is a song of hope, with rich lyricism and the a chorus of an earworm. A spin on the suburb of Borrowdale and the dance by the same name stands out among its many quotables: "Ukaita zvechi square unourayiwa neve mucircle/Hanzi Borrowdale hauone uchangoinzwa naMacheso."
In it's ending, Kayflow once again gets a helping hand from Bagga, on the track "Chidhumo NaMasendeke," which speaks on friendship and loyalty. It doesn't feel as brilliant as the rest of this project but it's still good.
Nyamadrive 2 picks up right where the first left off. The stories inspired Senga once again turned into great music. A solidifying of not only Kayflow's discography but Afrojecha's presence.
Greedysouth rating: 7.2/10
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