Amazingly, I did not treat this CD as I treat others, leaving them in the bag for weeks on end - as soon as I got home, I threw it into my cdj and began to listen to it.

The first track, titled 'Safari (1)' serves as a mellow intro and talks about the journey (Safari) being long, hard and tiring but not impossible. It rightfully welcomes you to a band album with a clear and impressive mix of the different instruments. If anything it will get you interested in the rest of the album.

Jesse of Ketebul produces ‘Usisahau’ (do not forget) an afro-rock jam that urges people not to forget ‘the Creator’ considering how far He has brought them. There is a great pidgin/reggae-ish section that serves only as a teaser; if only it was a bit longer. ‘Naomba’ (I Pray) an urban worship song is another gem from this very impressive album. It’s a prayer asking God to hold and hide us in His arms and to make us His vessels.

The album’s first single 'Safari (2)' feels borrowed from Daddy Owen's ‘System Ya Kapungala’; it will definitely have you dancing. A longer Lingala section would have been fantastic, but the desired effect is achieved - it leaves you yearning for more. One listen to the hugely popular 'Uwezo' will display why it has rocketed up local music charts. Fantastic!

On ‘Let Me Live’ it's hard not to feel like the singer could have done a lot more with this worship ballad. At some point it seems she holds back from hitting those high notes and settles for familiar territory. ‘Turn Us’ based on 2 Chronicles 7:14 is an impressive song and has to be my favorite track on this project. The producer does an amazing job of mixing the different elements.

Generally speaking this is an impressive debut by Adawnage. You may be forgiven for thinking, as I did, that this album is produced by a seasoned producer like Chris Adwar or Tim Rimbui, so I must big up Dominic Khaemba for a nearly perfect job. If you are a local Gospel music collector I would advise you to get yourself a copy.

Review by DJ Sparrxx

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