Toshi brings the
flavour on "Lemon & Herb" produced track
By Nyasha Themba
Dhliwayo
Edging out no less a House Music luminary than Josh
Milan, for top spot in Traxsource Top 100 Vocalists of 2018, says a lot about Toshi's pedigree.
The
past year's releases from the sultry vocalist did after all cement her as a
formidable artist who's most associated with the deeper side of the House
spectrum.
While
remixes for "Weeper", "Ngeke" and "Kanti" all
make for compulsory inclusion on any decent playlist, the absolute beast Toshi track
for me was "Zulumke".
Crafted
by music production duo Lemon & Herb, this menacing beauty of a track ebbs
and flows for nearly 10 minutes on a winding river of edgy Tech inspired
synths.
The
beat's dark futuristic soundscape provides a marble strong yet beautiful
foundation for Toshi's almost whispered vocals, penetrating your soul right
from the first note.
"Zulumke",
I am made to understand, is isiXhosa for "beware" or "be
careful" and amidst rolling snares, Toshi does indeed warn the listener about
deceptive friends and exploitative relationships.
Such
harrowing and sorrowful themes have become a hallmark of Toshi's songwriting
and only she can make pain feel "so good".
Given
it's extended length, it's credit to the taut production by Lemon & Herb
that as soon as it finishes, the only option you have is to slam the play
button again.
Over
the past few years the production duo, comprising Skhumbuzo Radebe and Don
Sithole, have refined their sound.
The
2018 release of the three track Babylonia EP, on Culoe De Song's label,
subsequently established their edgy Tech reinforced version of Afro House.
"Zulumke"
was released in October and to date appears on less that 60 Traxsource charts.
One mainstream nod came from a rather unexpected
direction.
This
was in the form of a viral video clip showing Black Coffee spinning
"Zulumke" at a Las Vegas gig, while Drake (yes "Mr Keke are you
riding" himself) vibing along appreciatively in the audience.
Now
while you digest that, I will yet again rewind and play "Zulumke".
By Becks
Lemon and Herb have
been doing the mostest of damage for the longest time. Having signed to Culoe
De Song’s De Song Label, seems that merger has propelled the duo to take things
to a whole new lavel. Never mind the backing of Red Bull. Well as for Toshi,
she is the 2018 number one vocalist according to Traxsourse, a step up from
second best in 2017 . So just imagine the brilliance in this Zilumke track
Go get it for its dark edgy beat, those tantalizing thought
provoking lyrics that Toshi dishes. A good 8/10 from my side
#ThatsAwrap
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