Nutty O is an artist obsessed with building. ABX as he calls himself, the artist's moniker is born out of the phrase "Ability Extension." A dedication to always doing better. This statement of self belief has been a constant presence in the dancehall singer's career.
Right from the moment he made his debut in 2015 with "Kwandabva Kure," he has been driven by the possibilities of the heights Zimbabwean dancehall could reach. This desire to shape a different sound was at the heart of his 2021 debut album Mustard Seed, his 2023 EP CornerStone, and now his sophomore album Different Root. Projects that have all had titles that echoe the artist's desire to build.
5 years after the tiniest of seeds made the loudest of statements, Nutty O is defining a path for the roots of that seed. Different Root presents an expansion to the sounds his debut album explored and the stories the album told.
Nutty O's full length projects have so far been defined by 3 thematic sections - Faith, Love & Success - and these are once again the pillars that hold Different Root together. In 15 tracks we drift from being hopelessly in love, to defiant against the odds, to being saved by grace, and even dreaming of the Ballon d'Or. However the musical alchemy Nutty delivers here is a tad different.
Afro dancehall is the sound that drives the album's pulse, but we still get reggae, Afro pop and even a small taste of Afro house. There is a softer edge to the lyrical delivery, a more languid pace to the tempo, and a harmony to the music.
ZiFM Stereo (2025), Star FM (2025), and the 2026 National Arts Merit Awards' Song Of The Year "Too Much" gets a well worked update featuring Nigerian Afrobeats singer Fido. "Everything Is Possible" excels in reggae storytelling bound by spiritual belief, with Nutty O alongside Bugle and LEE SAUVAGE. "Ma1" is the quintessential dancehall anthem that sees Kinnah and Nutty O defiant on their path to success.
Different Root is often soulful, so much so it feels poignant. This is particularly captured by the chorally backed "Mercy" which is reflective while revelling in God's grace, and the Takura aided reggae love song "Darling." In the world Nutty O builds on this project, a key component is the cast of producers: Young DLC, Tavin Lee, Infinity Beatz, Kay B, Ghost Magician and Spirit Fingerz, under the guiding hand of DJ Tamuka - who has been a constant presence since the beginning of Nutty O's career.
This album sees Nutty O defining himself as a different root, one that can bear challenges beyond the average as evidenced by the project's lyricism and one that's visibly different from others as evidenced by the albums sound. The sonic compass points outside of Zimbabwe’s borders, but it doesn't feel like simply latching onto trends or just a desire for international visibility, it feels intentional.
It is the culmination of Nutty O's defiance against the status quo in Zimbabwean dancehall, and a lifelong friendship between an artist and a graphics designer who would become his most important collaborator. Different Root is different, but its uniqueness is one that adds to it.
Greedysouth rating: 8/10