Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:23:20 +0000
By Terence Miselo
| In this modern era, the culture of artistes producing and releasing full albums is fast dwindling due to many challenges. Most artistes have actually resolved to make and only release singles as opposed to full albums. They say there is little or no reward to the outcome of the product compared to the expenses they meet at production stage. Worse still, piracy, lack of support, poor distribution and marketing are among the many obstacles making it hard for them to do full albums. |
It now takes passion, courage and dedication to come up with a full album in Zambia and that is the drive behind one Sam Sakala musically known as Dope G.
His debut project, ‘Flowers’, his very first as a solo artist after a period of what he terms ‘training ‘ under Zone Fam is a revelation he has passion for what he does. His dedication to the lyrical content, careful selection of topics and capturing the right talent to assist him on this 14-track production is evidence he will do what it takes to make his ‘Flowers’ album blossom.
What exactly is with the ‘Flowers’?
Firstly, Dope G’s choice of the title-truck is out of the Biblical inspiration and commandment that we as humans must be fruitful. We must live lives that bear fruit and help others benefit from our works.
“When you see flowers you know that fruits are coming and inside those fruits we have seeds,” so goes a line in ‘Seeds’ the opening song on the album. This is to emphasize the importance of flowers.
‘Seeds,’ features Tim, Dope G’s long-time friend and ex member of the Zone Fam. It is the direct connection you notice of Dope G’s love and fear of the Lord. Produced by Reverb, ‘Seeds’ also features that melodious voice of Kasolo possessing counsel and wisdom. The song’s message talks of the importance use of light in the germination of seeds in relation to human growth under God’s guidance.
“Let’s live right in His light then we shall grow,” goes another line from the song you can comfortably call conscious music. The next song on the album is ‘Son of the City’ produced by Reverb. It is some semi-hardcore hip that brings out Dope G’s love and experience of Lusaka City. A city where he says he belongs and will keep representing. ‘Ndine mwana wa Lusaka’, he proudly skits and praises the City for his hustle. It is one song he uses to bring the spirit of oneness regardless of whichever part of Zambia one belongs.
“Magic,” a song featuring Roberto and produced by the Poacher and Dida Steez is a laid-back R&B tune sitting comfortably as cut number three on the CD. It is one song that brings a great collaboration of two talented artistes to make R&B sound very close to Zambia.
On number four is “Second Chance” a song featuring the dancehall love machine Kaladoshas and CBX. This was also produced by Dida Steez and adds that fast-paced, danceable and rare collaboration to the album. On this one you hear a more singing Dope G, switching from Nyanja to English.
The rapper and singer, gets naughty on “Skide”. This is cut number five produced by another creative beat maker Cashroll. This takes you down memory lane to your play age as Dope G mesmerizes how he has transformed from that stage to now, where he can roll on wheels and skid.
Cashroll also plays a role on the title track ‘Flowers’ produced by master producer Shinko Beats. Here Dope G wants flowers to be spread all over and given to people in appreciation to the things they do while they are still alive.
You can’t complete a hip hop album without tapping something from the talented Willz and that’s what Dope G did on his “Hangover”. Another production by Shinko Beats which makes Dope G fit in Willz’ Kind of skills proving he is versatile.
Dope’s versatility gets even stronger on “Don’t Chibeleshi” the radio friendly hit featuring Chef 187. Call it Lusaka Vs Kopala, the song is simply promoting oneness and you enjoy the language switch from Nyanja, Bemba to English. This is another Reverb product.
Other songs on the album include the motivational yet sing-along “Special” featuring Cashroll. The popular anthem, “My Hair” with influential guitars by veteran instrumentalist Sir Jones and produced by Shom C sits on number 10 on the CD. This great and successful hit identifies Dope G’s intelligence on the lyrics.
The album takes you on a short break for the ‘Drake is 2Pac’skit. All you appreciate from this is Dope G’s artistic skills which give him the courage to act as witnessed in ‘Fever’.
The album gets real emotional on the song “Nipuzhe”-featuring Wezi and produced by Reverb. This brings more energy on the rap, more ‘hip hop ‘bars rose for Dope G. It is one very touching song that brings the topic of death in music. I describe this one as Dope’s ‘aggressiveness’ meeting Wezi’s calmness. This could be a suitable dedication to all the fallen heroes.
“Pa Sate” another beat by Shinko is second from the last on the CD and brings motivation to the table. It encourages people to keep on the hustle. “Every day ni pa sate, every day is pay day”. This song has some ‘Panda effect’, one you get from the Designer song ‘Panda’.
The album concludes with “Best Friends” featuring and introducing Kalu Konga. Produced by Shinko Beats, this song brings that positive message relating to social interaction and human relations.
All in all, Dope G’s ‘Flowers’ is an album full of conscious music and brings out topical and current issues.
Given all the chance and support, “Flowers” by Dope G will surely blossom.
