Recently Zambia played host to one of Africa's greatest jazz type songbird Zahara who has won about ten different awards. Zahara has performed in many different nations in and outside Africa. In a recent trip to Namibia, little did I expect that our neighboring nation could also be harbouring an upcoming musician called Blossom. Blossom (see photo below) whose real name is Ruusa Ndapewa Munalye according to Nakaziko (2013) burst into the industry and turned it upside down within just a blink of an eye, effortlessly snatching weaves with her raw talent. Thus it comes as no surprise that Blossom debut album is doing well. A lot of people have been saying nothing but good things about her music. Nakaziko continues that he reluctantly listened to Blossom's album due to peer pressure and endless compliments to her. I would also say that listening to the album I also took an instant "liking" to the album.
(Source: Reverbnation, 2003)
Nakaziko says "It is interesting for me to experience a dearth of Namibian music which is sung in languages I know so more about. My experience is based purely on the atmosphere of the song and how well I can connect to it on a musical or emotional level. Komuthima Gomeya is an embracing album, with the title track taking melody to a new level. The captivating voice of Blossom is the thread that binds the songs together. You can easily feel the honesty and passion pouring out of Blossom as she sings; something which I think defines the best of singer-songwriters.
Set against the strumming of her guitar, and the infusion of African-style beats, the music tends towards simplicity and integrity. Her lyrics flow like poetry. This is going back to the nuts and bolts of music and creating something of substance from the rawness. Few musicians can do this and still create a product as powerful as Komuthima Gomeya.
The album starts with the song Mekolo Lyoye, a guitar and piano driven ballad that is accompanied by her mature voice. It carries empowering lyrics, which seems to be a popular theme of the album. It is one of those tracks that you find yourself harming to, even though you are listening to it for the first time. This song has a very good advantage of a wider audience because of its chorus that sticks to your mind. A good track that proves that effort can make an enormous difference to one's work.
The second track of the album is a country influenced track called Coming Home. You can watch this video track here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbnoTKsJK9Y. An English track that sees the culture-influenced Blossom throwing her vocals in a Tracy Chapman-esque country sound. I must say it is a very good track and I actually love it.
Je Taime, featuring Samuel B. Batola, the third song on the track list actually makes it very mature for some of Blossom audience, because the genre is not exactly youth-friendly even though it is impressively written. The maturity of this song is going to work as an advantage when it widens her audience to older people. The traditional beat will leave you wet from all the involuntary dancing that comes with the track.
Komuthima Gwomeya, the title track and her first single that made her mark is the fourth track of the album. This track gave me a first impression of Blossom before I got to know her music style. Despite creating a good platform for Blossom to proceed her journey to a more successful path, this track is one of my best favourites.
When I turned to the fifth track, Somebody Answer, I immediately thought, "Wow, this is a very good song" before I could even hear the lyrics! Blossom masters the art of singing emotionally, and that makes the song more enjoyable and easy to relate to or feel the message the lyrics convey. Now I don't blame all the people that call her the Adele of Namibia. She has that golden touch.
What I like about the concept of this album is that it incorporates vernacular and English. And the 11th track Freedom featuring Samuel B. Batola, is an English filler. It is only there to increase the number of tracks, instead of making a difference or maintaining the high level that the first few tracks set. Saying it is filler does not necessarily mean that it is bad. It only means that it is not in the same standard of the other tracks.
Continuing in the same footsteps of motivational lyrical content is Africa, a great way to close the album. Africa is similar to the opening track of the album, Mekolo Lyoye. None of that matters because the songs are just art on their own.
Nakaziko notes that the album actually proves the opinions I've been hearing about it. And it serves as one of the most powerful debuts by a Namibian woman. She certainly possesses the golden touch because her talent is enough to make her shine and reach for her destiny. Now I'm starting to regret my ignorance of taking my own sweet time to give her a chance. The album is a fair and purely impressive that consists of twelve (12) tracks, other hit songs you can find are Tilila, Nangula, Ondjila Yetu, Oheya-Mwena Nghelo and many others.
You can get the album in Windhoek from Antonio's Art Wernhil, Mono music shop Katutura. North- Ekwatho Service Station, Kapana Service Station, Décor Ongwediva Shoprite, Omba Etango, Mororwani Market Kavango; Coast Young Ones, Outapi; Otjiwarongo, Keetmans, and Gobabis. Connect with 'Blossom Ruusa' (facebook), or email; blossom.destiny@gmail.com.
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