Written By Kundai Marunya
Finally; Zimbabwe has found a mature sound that can compete on the global reggae platform; a music that can compete with the founding island of Jamaica for an ever growing market.
The vibes of South African based reggae artist Rutsman Spice (real name Solomon Tokwe) from his hot new album titled Sighting Reality are hitting the right notes. If the local and international markets gives them the much needed air play, they can go far and wide, carrying with them the Zimbabwean flag.
The album which was released earlier this month carries heart-catching songs that speak on different aspects of life, religion included. The first track Protect My Soul, is a plea to God for protection in times when the innocent are brutalized. Another touching gospel sound is Jonah to Nineveh, a creative tale of the Bible story of Jonah who was sent on a spiritual journey to Nineveh but diverted his route to Tashish.
Rutsman Spice also touches on mental emancipation and breaking from the chains of neo-colonialism in song Revolution Time, while inspiring strength to ghetto soldiers in Boots.
Other songs on the album include Searching, Dreadlocks Lover, Don’t Judge (featuring Mamabeat from Ghana), World Unity/Xenophobia which features local dancehall star Badman, Will You Be Back, and We Blazing On and On.
Rutsman Spice said, “The album’s inspiration was life as a whole, love as nature evolving around mankind and Jah as the pillar of everything under the sun.”
The artist started making music back in 1999, and bears three albums namely Jah Bless in 2004, and Jah Sent in 2007. He has staged various shows locally and in South Africa receiving raving reviews, most recently opening for the Jamaican star Sizzla Kalonji at the Reggae Spring Jam in the aforementioned country.