Now an undeniable star of the Afropop genre in Zimbabwe, Shashl made her first big splash in 2018 with the single "Blow In The Wind," as Universal Music Africa's first ever female Zimbabwean signee. While certainly talented, the singer wouldn't have another pivotal moment in her career until the release of "Ghetto Buddies" in 2021, under Chillspot Recordz. This would mark the beginning of her brief love affair with Zimdancehall.
Under Chillspot Recordz, the singer would release her debut album, Highway, to moderate success. The 16 track project managed to capture a decent audience but it wouldn't be until the 2023 release of "Remedy" off the Solitude EP, and the duet "Deepisa" with King98, that Shashl would establish herself as a household name. This year was also the beginning of a path that would lead to The First Quarter album.
On the Solitude EP, Shashl dabbled in a cross pollination of RnB and Afropop that had a reggae/dancehall undercurrent. This musical alchemy was refined on the Butterflies EP the following year, with the adoption of a more West Africa inclined sound, and it's safe to say The First Quarter is it's most put together version.
Across the album's 11 tracks, Shashl delivers tales of love over Afrobeats instrumentals with a soft percussion that is distinctively Southern African. The sound she has explored over the last few years feels perfected, and melded with Shona sung melodies, the music is easy on the ear.
In addition to the alchemy of sound that brings together multiple influences, The First Quarter has tracks written with the clear intention of being catchy. A trait evident in Shashl's bubblng introspective conversation with her heart "Weakness," the profession of an undying love "Kumagumo," the infectious lamentation of a stingy partner "Womera," the party anthem "Positive Vibes," and Shashl at her wit's end "Energy."
The album serves it's best when Shashl strives for originality, unlike the moments when she mimics West African tonality, which are forgettable. However the latter is not so often and this keeps the album in good standing. There's a simplicity in the songwriting, which is genius when it manages to convey deep emotions and lacking in times when it doesn't go as far as it should, but velvety vocals soften this.
The two features on the album more than deliver, and even though "Munhu Wako" which features Skido TGS has multiple versions floating around it's still striking in how it's weaved together on this album. "Muzerere" the duet with ExQ has the same brilliance in execution, and in addition to their equally good verses, the two artists play off each well in the songs outro.
The First Quarter has multiple high points, but the few blemishes that marr it's facade stop it from reaching the heights it could have.
Greedysouth rating: 6.5/10
Enjoyed reading this news report? Support Greedysouth by buying the team a cup of coffee. Your support assists in the production of such quality reports. Thank you.