By Washington Chikwariro| If you were wondering about Winky D’s latest 12 track offering, Njema. Here is a snippet of the content. This analysis will focus mainly on the song Ijipita as it summaries most of the issues explored in the album. One more song Murombo will be explored as supporting material on how the album Njema represent the reality within Zimbabwe._
_The album is tittled Njema. Njema means chains and is symbolic of bondage and oppression. Music as an artistic expression and vehicle of communication is a powerful and an enabling tool to freedom of expression and if not accorded enough attention so much voices will not be heard. The song Ijipita is a biblical reference of the Israelites’s bondage in Eygpt and their quest for freedom. I refer to it as the song of yokes and bondage. You only need to decipher the geniusly woven art to understand the deep and conscious meaning._
_The sensational artist’s craft work is prophetic, philosophical and symbolic touching on social, political and economic issues. Just like the Israelites, Zimbabweans of today find themselves in this precarious situation, surviving in a social, political and economic wilderness. Living from hand to mouth they hope for a better day filled with milk and honey which the corrupt politicians have promised and failed to deliver._
_”Ndavakusiya musha kufamba mamayira”, “Am leaving home and traveling miles”. Winky expresses his struggle to break away from poverty as symbolised by leaving Ijipita for a new land called Canaan, a symbol of comfort. This way the song explores and presents the mass exodus of many Zimbabweans, to unknown lands hunting for opportunities and survival._
_The artist uses the term “ndoinda kure kusina mhai” which is a contrast to “kusina mhai hakuendwe” to acknowledge the pain and discomfort of leaving home for a distant land where his security is not guaranteed. “Handina mfudzi ndingori hwai”, a sheep is an innocent domestic animal and without a shepered is vulnerable.This is a sad narrative which runs through to the song tittled Murombo._
_Murombo means umyanga in Ndebele. This track expresses issues of social stratification, and exploitation of the poor by the rich, e.g the doctors. This song is relevant as most of the masses are swimming in abject poverty, with high inflation, and cash shortages which can only be blamed on the ruling elite. As for the remaining tracks these are lovely sing alongs comprising of chitekete, reggae and Naye a good selection to dance ma Clarks._
_Closing with a party song Ndidye Mari which features South African based Buffalo Souljah. This is a short insight and no amount of words is enough to unpack the album. Powerful with subtext the dancehall singer speaks of social problems and injustices which are the core issues in the hearts of many. All which makes this latest product enough evidence that the musical maestro will never disappoint the struggle of the masses._
*By Washington Chikwariro*
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*An aspiring writer…..✍?*