In the realm of Zimbabwean hip hop, Bagga is an artist that often defies the genre's rules. "Bagga Weragga" as his self given moniker goes is not just an excuse to rhyme but a window into the sonic tapestry he weaves together. A sound boxed into the alternative category but the word feels too shallow a term for how blends reggae, dancehall and Afro pop into ear catching hip hop anthems.
"Gevha" announced his arrival several years ago, earning him the title Gevha President, and ever since then he has been driven to deliver the gospel as he sees fit. No matter the song, no matter the subject matter, Bagga's artistry is deeply anchored in spirituality (even his artistic name came from an incident at church). This has brought to life revelations such as "Nyarara," "Mvura," "Nhemamusasa," "Chamunorwa," and "Jerusalema."
Now long after it was initially expected of him, the singer has finally released his debut album, Gorejena.
Named after the Shona term for a brighter horizon, a sentiment echoed by the album artwork, Gorejena is a poignant moment of catharsis. In 13 tracks that drift across an eclectic sonic landscape, Bagga explores love, loss, heartbreak, success and pain both seen and unseen. Driven by the artist's penchant for melodies, the constant is an intention of release that has varying success, although always relatable.
Bagga's brighter horizon is hope, yet before arriving at that he has to wade through a storm that sometimes threatens to overwhelm him.
"Kana Usipo" sees him reflect on things coming to an end, on being part; both in physical location and in terms of the mortal realm, on the emotion of a part of you being missing. Themes mirrored on the softly sung "Bye Bye," an ode to those who left our lives without a goodbye message.
The mellow dancehall edge of "Tsaga" is met with alternating stories of struggle from Madedido and Bagga, the duo reflecting on making it despite their potential never being seen. The horns that ring out as it ends being especially beautiful.
Gorejena is emotionally charged, the themes are as heavy as lead, in fact there's an air of melancholy from start to finish but with captivating melodies within the atmosphere of sadness - Nisha Ts would've been a perfect fit anywhere on this.
The reggaeton "Ballon D'or" speaks to dreams of success, a desire for achievements as visible as those of Ousmane Dembele. "Bhamba Besu" playfully interrupts the sad reflections to demand we shake our posteriors, and "Dai Maka Suffer" sees Bagga, Saintfloew and Freeman HKD brilliantly playing off each other in emotive reminiscence.
The album's most potent hip hop moment is delivered on "Hallelujah." Here Bagga's lament for guidance is the perfect foundation for GZE to lay what may be one of best verses to come out of Zim hip hop in a long time. Punchlines meet storytelling in what standouts as the albums most impressive lyrical chapter.
Bagga shares aspirations of becoming a legend on "Legend," an Afro house tinged call to his ancestors with Feli Nandi on "Mudzimu Wangu," and a martial arts inspired ending to his debut project with "Kung Fu." Where the Truth EP felt like a misstep, Gorejena is Bagga back in alignment with himself. Vulnerable, but his believability is once again the seal that binds his armour.
Greedysouth rating: 7.1/10