The Music
| The Making of "On a Day Like This" |
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Bringing together 3 of Zimbabwe’s top producers, this album is in many ways a pioneer project. Although the use of multiple producers in the West is common-place, Zimbabwean productions seldom make use of its benefits. However, Kudzai has captured something unique on this album in that each producer brought a different interpretation to the table, the result of which is a very captivating blend. Production on this album began in autumn 2003, when Kudzai recorded 3 tracks with Fortune Muparutsa. Fortune, famous for his fusion of the local Zimbabwean sound with RnB, produced, among others, the track “Thank You” which was included on the annual Hear the Music release “BestMusic 2003”. This was Kudzai’s first appearance on Zimbabwe’s national radio stations and she was well received. Much anticipation began mounting as to the release of Kudzai’s fully finished album. But with only 3 tracks in the can, she was still a long way off.She then teamed up with a producer responsible for a string of No.1 hits, Delani Makhalima, who produced what was to become the title track of the album— On a Day Like This. Only later would the track be turned into a duet with the ever-articulate John Jaizi, blending perfectly with Kudzai’s smooth alto. Kudzai spent the rest of the year developing the remainder of her songs. However, entering the new year with only 4 completed songs, her album was a far-cry from the January 2004 release date she’d hoped for. Her life took an unexpected turn when she decided to audition for the Zimbabwean candidate in the reality-television show “Project Fame”, an endeavour which she, of course, won. For the next 3 months, beginning in May, she entered the celebrity world of reality-television, competing with 15 other contestants from the African continent, under 24 hour surveillance by the multitude of cameras. Kudzai was the perfect ambassador for her nation, and she successfully made it as far as the penultimate round. Having immersed herself in the experience and rigorous training of Project Fame, she was now more ready than ever to complete her now over-due album.She returned to Zimbabwe a heroine, and concert bookings and appearances began building up quickly. However, the exposure that she’d received from television would not last indefinitely, so without missing a beat, Kudzai teamed up with producer Andrew Baird and began the final preparations of her long-awaited album. With 6 songs to go she spent September and October working hard with Andrew in the studio to bring the project to completion in November. The result is a master piece. Spanning many different genres of music and 3 different languages, the album is the ideal debut. Among other styles, one finds the likes of RnB, contemporary rock, pop, jazz, urban-ballade and traditional Zimbabwean styles. Many production houses take a dim view of over-diversification on any one album, but Kudzai, with her compelling charisma, pulls it off gallantly. Her smooth vocal threads each composition together, powerfully communicating her message of love for God, and encouragement to mankind. Teaming up with a cappella sensations Faith Moves Mountains on the opening track “Better Than Life”, one senses the energy of the likes of Mary Mary in the groove. The thumping RnB feel sets a strong pace for the album. The second track “I Don’t Know Why”, penned by Andrew Baird, is a classic example of the way in which Kudzai has benefited from her Project Fame experience. Slotting right into the pop culture, she delivers her vocal with such conviction that one might mistaken her for Leanne Rhymes or Celine Dion. The song illustrates how Kudzai’s faith is very much grounded in reality—the issues of love and the heart playing the central roles.Jazz music is very much a first-love for Kudzai, so it was no surprise to find the song “He Knows” oozing with such natural warmth and charm. Kudzai will certainly be carving her own niche in this genre. The title track explodes us back into the mainstreme-RnB groove, Delani Makhalima’s ever-articulate creativity shining through. Zita Renyu and Uyai, produced by Fortune Muparutsa, are two tribute songs to Kudzai’s church-singing roots, the African beats and flavours infectious as ever. The album also includes two tender ballades, beautifully portrayed. “Use Me” and “In This Place” speak volumes for the articulate expression that lies within Kudzai. |