"Ndine purazi, ndine farm" has become an easily identifiable tagline announcing a record by MuGaratia. This statement is a reference to MuGaratia's ability to make music, a declaration that he has a farm of records. While he meant it figuratively, it is proving to be almost literal as he continues to stick to a prolific release schedule.
At the centre of this is an ever evolving artistry. MuGaratia is constantly searching for the best way of expressing his thoughts and emotions, and this sees each project he releases distinct from the next. Although sometimes subtle, the changes are always present. The gritty texture of the Galatian EP gave birth to the melodic anthems of Pemurai Dzose (his debut album), which in turn paved the way for Saladic Gangsta's infectious rhythms, and then Love Freakquency's soulful ballads.
Once upon a time definitively a hip hop act, he has become an undeniable popstar. In Boy From Santa Maria, his sophomore album, MuGaratia is retracing his steps to the place he calls home. The St. Mary's suburb of Chitungwiza, colloquially referred to as Santa Maria - its Spanish translation.
Boy From Santa Maria is a reflection on MuGaratia's past, present and future, wrapped together in an eclectic artistry that comes off as almost mundane in some moments but intuitively brilliant in others. Afro pop driven, it is very much inventive in its sonic tapestry, an octopus reaching out to dancehall, jazz, R&B and rock with its tentacles.
Proclaiming he holds a generation in his hands on the opener, the singer begins by praying he doesn't stray from his destiny due to temptation, and that God provides the answers he needs. This desired fulfillment of dreams echoes throughout Boy From Santa Maria's 15 tracks.
The Bagga assisted "Don't Forget God" is a melodic call to remember how your success about when you make it. The cushioned drums of "Sacrifices" underlie a story of the relationships that were layed to the wayside in the pursuit of dreams. The punk rock "Rocksta Pemurai" is a refreshing glitzy record that matches its ambition in sound. The mellow "New York" sees MuGaratia trading melodies with Sane Wav.
In the multitude of Boy From Santa Maria's influences Afro dancehall is a constant, and this brings to life the anthem for escapism "Dial Delivery," were marijuana is envisioned as available as fast food. It is in the club ready collaboration with Tanto Wavie "Takure," the tale of pride in home "Kwatinoswera," and the desire driven "Tsara Tsara."
In a similar nature to his breakout hit "Sunday," which juxtaposed church with some of his unChrist like behaviours, Boy From Santa Maria offers up its own contradictions. MuGaratia dedicates songs to the exact things he feels he needs to avoid, a symbol of just how much of an achilles heel his vices are. On "Generation" he hopes he doesn't lose himself chasing women, yet songs like "iDhulanga," "Keptain Chitungwiza," and "Tsara Tsara" are almost of his womanising ways.
However the singer has an understanding that progress is not linear, and what may be a setback today is not a disaster. This is the reflection offered up over the jazzy chords of "Kwira Dzike." The Boy From Santa Maria is flawed but he understands the weight on his shoulders and he hopes the discipline he carrys is enough to make him a rockstar.
Greedysouth rating: 7.2/10