IN MIC
Praises for KITUNGI3
Kitungi3 Album Review by IN MIC
The highly anticipated Kitungi3 is an album with a rich, authentic African sound interwoven with urban afro-pop
and jazz music. The 10-track album kicks off with “Rhythm of the Land”, an ode to the Motherland. Manasseh’s
articulate song writing takes you on a visual journey around Africa, capturing the very beauty and heart of this
great continent. It’s so Lion King-ish and needs to be the soundtrack to a movie… Someone tell Wakanda we are
ready!
“Asyai” and “Slay Queen” are a testament to Manasseh’s captivating storytelling and vibrant guitar skills. Here’s
where you pull out your dancing shoes. “Nuwe” is definitely one of our favorites. The emotion in this song is so sincere that, even though you don’t understand Kamba, it evokes a sense of understanding that breaks the language barrier and allows you to connect with it, deeply. The last part of this song is Henrie Mutuku-esque but with a whole lot of jazz and funk. Also, the horn section felt like the first bite of perfectly seasoned chips with Heinz ketchup. We love it!
Then there’s “MUTHEMBA USU,” which feels like a sneak peek into Manasseh’s secret diary. Sincere, Heartfelt, Authentic, Vulnerable – this is what this song is. A great reminder to always walk in your truth especially in a world where people are so quick to offer unsolicited opinions of who you should be. The cordial combination of guitar, keys and horns is everything and then some more. The harmonies, the progression and melodious chorus is unmatched. Ok, you get the point, it’s a gem!
Wanaume! This one is so close to our heart. The lyrics, the keys and the purity in Manasseh’s vocals evoke every
human emotion. In a society that has normalized rape culture, thank you Manasseh for lending your voice to ending sexual violence against women and for this public apology to every survivor.
After such heaviness, Safe and
Goodnight bring back a sense of hope, a breath of fresh air, a reminder that there’s still a remnant of good men
out here. Also, whoever played the saxophone on Safe deserves a cold coke and a pay rise.
Polepole takes us back to the rich African vibe this album started on. Aside from the profound lyrics, the harmonica will always be our most favorite part of this song. Just from the guitar intro, you can already tell that you’re in for a treat. Fused with the words of our national anthem, “Pamoja” is not your average patriotic song but a timely prayer and declaration over this land. “This nation will walk even if on our knees.”
On a scale of 1-10, we rate Kitungi3 at 128 - highly recommended. Every song on this album is uniquely beautiful
but if we had to pick a favorite, in case it’s not already obvious, “Muthemba Usu” is a winner!
“My only joy is to see you feel better and smile when this road gets hard.”
Your work here is done Manasseh. This is exactly what Kitungi3 did for us!
NOEL NDERITU
Praises for KITUNGI3
Kitungi3 is unapologetically African in its ability to tell stories and in its stellar production. This combination is embodied in songs like ‘Rhythm of the land’ and ‘Asyai’.
Manasseh approaches deeper themes playfully on ‘Slay Queen’ and ‘Muthemba Usu’ and that contrast is quite refreshing. The ballad approaches in ‘Wanaume’ and ‘Goodnight’ highlight his vocal and songwriting strength.
An apt follow up to Manasseh’s previous EP project ‘Mbua’, the album Kitungi3 is the doorway to this artist’s immense musical gift.
Kenn Biggie
Praises for KITUNGI3
Kitungi3, a 10 track album by Manasseh Shalom, is a thought provoking, emotional journey through his heart and mind, or at least the sections he has chosen to reveal, by way of music. It is the reflections of a man unhindered, speaking to/into the society he lives in, addressing pertinent issues through a songwriter's pen.
The melodies are beautiful and catchy. The groovy rhythms, interspersed with captivating chants and vocables give a distinctly African sound. The horn section arrangements such as those in Slay Queen and Nuwe catch you by surprise and proceed to draw a smile out of you right after the groove kicked you into a dance.
The eloquent and fluent use of Kamba, Manasseh's native language in sections of the album reinforce his commitment to his culture. He also gives a glimpse of his faith in songs such as Nuwe and Muthemba Usu, the latter managing to capture the struggle of a Christian pursuing the music profession. A natural crooner, Manasseh also addresses the theme of love quite well, both the beautiful and distorted kind.
A virtuosic singer, guitar and keyboard player, masterful music arranger and captivating story teller, Manasseh lends these skills into the creation of this work of art. The technical production is clean and excellent. The songwriting mature and creative. The overall execution of the project, A+. What would be interesting to hear, is these arrangements interpreted by a skilful, full live band. Grant us this wish soon, Manasseh.
Well done!
W.M
Praises for KITUNGI3
I don't think I've listened to an album that has given me such a heavy appreciation for the African culture as much as this one! This is true artistry! A beautiful blend of different African sounds with depth, unique styles and the right amount of humour! I LOVE IT!
The song Muthemba Usu made me realize how much work my 'mschheeewing' skills need!
The artist maintains his originality and stays true to his roots while still employing modern styles of music to showcase his talent and skills. I can almost hear Rhythm of the Land in one of those Madea stage play productions (Hi Tyler Perry).
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE songs that carry meaningful messages and lessons that are relevant in the times that we live in.
I must admit that the song Pamoja slapped differently with everything the globe is going through with the covid-19 pandemic.. The lyrics "... We've come too far to give up, seen too much to live blind , this nation will walk even if on our knees ..." gave me a sense of hope and belonging.
To rest in the fact that if we come together as a people, a nation, a country, a continent, the world, (well, as together as we can with all the social distancing vibes) we can conquer anything that comes our way.