In a statement preluding the album, SHALdo said, "What manner of beauty is it that God could find us—artists—worthy to be among the muses of angels. I revel in this possibility. If not for anything else, this is why I remain stubborn in my love and passion for creating." To a large extent this best explains the body of work he put together.
Say My Name is a concept album. A daring concept for a debut. Abstract in narrative structure, the album's motifs circle SHALdo and through his experiences reveal self doubts and questioning that oscilates from the personal to the spiritual. A jigsaw puzzle of 14 tracks that shares both SHALdo's worldview and his image of self (over laidback but dynamic production from Ardalan Shams). From the self affirmations of "Zvinoita," to the powerfully poetic "VIMBAI," a dedication to his mother.
A rapper born out of a writer and a poet, SHALdo monologues one moment, is in conversation with God the next and reflects on his dreams in the third person the other. On a similar wavelength the album's interludes celebrate SHALdo's artistry, question it's importance in the grand scheme of things and take a moment to revel in the simplicity of just creating.
On "Nova's Dad's Interlude" LennoxThePoet states, "I think you're not just a creative, you're an embodiment of who you are and your experiences," in regards to SHALdo. On "A nigga's Interlude" SHALdo sings, "Maybe don't matter these feelings, maybe you just don't care, then you wonder when a nigga breath quiet." On "AneUnhu's Interlude" he goes, "Not thing is nothing like nothing is no thing..."
"Boy Meets Man Meets Boy" has reflections that cross generations and SHALdo's own personal periods in life: "It takes seeing the hell that my father goes through, for him to become an angel in my eyes." It is echoed in sentiment by "King" where RayKaz's barely 30 second performance overshadows SHALdo's melodic attempts.
"Dear God" is a letter to a deity that delivers the standout yet simple: "This life is not a game, yet next to every ladder is a snake." SHALdo presents himself as broken, but defiant. There a certain relatability in his reflections but that doesn't feel like the aim. He is simply telling his story as he sees fit. Say My Name is at it's best on the shebeen rap influenced "Checklist," which features Dough Major & Rashé, and the heartfelt "Lullaby the Pain."
In some moments the lyricism is lost in cadence, and the multi part nature of tracks like "Say My Name" and "Mwana Wevhu" does them a disservice. Yet SHALdo remains true to his beliefs throughout, and even in moments when the music doesn't sound good the questioning of racist systems and autocratic rule, feel like things he's genuinely passionate about.
The album title, Say My Name, is a mantra that is repeated throughout this project and it exudes a certain pride of identity. While it may be a mosaic etched with sadness, it excels in storytelling. A narrative and thematic balance that maintains a concept.
Greedysouth rating: 7.2/10
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