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Mwafrika.com's been looking forward to an interview with Shem, a prodigiously talented artist for a minute. So when circumstances conspired to make this happen, we hurriedly jumped on the opportunity.  Shem Shem, a member of various crews, including two-man team REACT and the sizzling hot Wernono Crew (FATMOD, Chiefs, REACT, SMA, Solid C), has recently seen his stocks rise with the release of his debut single TAZAMA (To download TAZAMA, click HERE). A beautifully crafted mellow rap cut, it ropes in fellow Wernono members Alvo and Danco, as well as former Coast-based songstress and Kisima nominee Krystn Ndela. It’s not difficult to see why this single’s popularity has quickly spread. It may seem calm and placid on the surface, but Tazama is one of the most hard-hitting and unapologetic singles you will listen to. You will enjoy it thoroughly, nonetheless. Of the single, Shem says, “We sometimes get caught up in our own personal struggles that we forget to focus on the most foundational truths; truths that if you only stop to think about, hold the key to all our questions. These truths easily get forgotten, pushed to the periphery of our minds and thoughts. One such truth is the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary's cross. That’s what my single is all about.”
On the single, produced by Jesse Bukindu of Ketebul Productions (with a corresponding music video by Sisimuka Productions) the glint in his eye and passion in his voice are altogether evident. He’s got Jesus on his mind, and in a world where a lot of Christian music is getting sanitised, craving mainstream appeal, it’s refreshing that he’s not afraid to show it. He adds,
“I’ve found myself often starting my prayers by thanking God for sending His son, but many times just as a routine before moving on to "more important business". I thought about it and got convicted. I decided to do a joint about the redemptive work of the cross, and nothing else. I wanted guys to "look" at Christ and see what He bore for our sake...hence the name Tazama”
Also,
“This time around I decided to completely stay away from something I usually do. I decided not to mention the name of my crew, or anyone else’s name on the joint. That was intentional. I was very determined to draw guys’ attention to the cross and nothing else, not even to myself.”
Shem adds that the response to the single has been overwhelming so far. Local DJs have taken to it and he anticipates mainstream media to follow suit. And why shouldn’t they? Remove the painstakingly meticulous flow, and the soulful hip-hop melody, and you will still have lyrics that, alone, are worth the price of admission.
 Alvo (Chiefs), Krystn Ndela & Shem At The Video Shoot The single is also set to be featured on Wernono Crew’s debut album, tentatively dubbed The Wernono Mixtape. Produced largely by Lodwar Records, look out for guest spots from the likes of Gatwitch Records star Juliani, as well as Rufftone and The Advocate, amongst others. Judging from the quality of music they’ve released, it’s not difficult to believe him when he says, “The album is going to be a thorough blend of various sounds…and above that, a whole lot of ministry. It is going to be unique collection, and definitely something guys WILL want for their collection.”
And even though Shem is looking at doing a solo project in the future, REACT is still close to his heart. Together with his rap cohort Gilly, the duo won a 2003 TalentMania Award for Outstanding Rap Category, a feat that is helping him towards continued success. With REACT, Shem released the single Njoo, and has been featured on music by FATMOD, Solid C and Leeze Muchai, amongst others. With the lyrical depth he on display each time Shem is on the mic, his musical influences come as no surprise. Similar to him, are all solo acts with very clean cut and decipherable rap flows and stand out because of their depth of content.“Some of the cats who’ve influenced my style are Da T.R.U.T.H, Lecrae, Sho Baraka and the Cross Movement. Locally, I feel Juliani has done a lot for kingdom rappers here.”
We’re glad we connected with Shem. He is a rare find. A gentleman, a hard worker, and a definite talent. But most impressively, his heart for Christ and heart for ministry are real. Whereas many local artists would complain of constrained financial resources or limited radio and television airplay, and often justifiably so, check out what Shem had to say when asked about his biggest day-to-day trials: “Jus killing the flesh daily...that’s my real challenge...” :: To download TAZAMA, click HERE
» Post Comment
» 14 Comments
1Comment
at Friday, 23 January 2009 01:40
Imagine thanks. I had heard this song once before on radio and fell in love with it. God bless you Shem. At least now i have a copy of my own.
2Comment
at Friday, 23 January 2009 10:10
Awesome song!!
3"mc"
at Monday, 26 January 2009 10:47
this song is just awesome a true inspiration and it normally challenge me as a christian and a fellow m.c God bless yu
4Comment
at Monday, 26 January 2009 11:39
Manze Shem is the bomb, His perspective of Christianity has touched my life.
5"Ms"
at Monday, 26 January 2009 11:41
Weweee!
kijana you are doing it proud!
keep up the good work! definately you are in my prayers! you got talent and style. great stuff here; i will be on the look out for more.
6Comment
at Tuesday, 27 January 2009 05:08
Sa niko Calivari, napigwa misumari, juu pendo wangu kwako ni kubwa shinda bahari. Naacha kupumua, giza sha funika jua, ndani ya hekalu pazia napasua,
Nipe siku tatu, siku kaa tatu, nitafufuka nitarudi kama mwokozi wa watu!!
If there was a Swa version of PASSION, this MUST be on the soundtrack!!
7"Big Tingz"
at Wednesday, 28 January 2009 18:44
My guy you have my support... This is the content we need in the system... Starting this year... Devo atachoka na sisi... Jesus is the reason we do this... Forget the gift... God doesn`t use you b`coz we are gifted but b`coz of the heart that is sold out to Him.
Mad love bro. Rotation garunteed. God bless.
8"you go shem"
at Friday, 30 January 2009 22:16
This guy is going places I pray the lord may use him to raise the standards kudos you guy
9Comment
at Tuesday, 03 February 2009 17:33
This is sooooooooo nice. Where has this guy been all this time. Guys should stop hiding. Jitokeze daddy! But for real, like Krowbar said, this is the content we need.
10"Awesome"
at Thursday, 05 February 2009 05:30
Nishaiskia this song bt honestly I have neva juad its shem's.Dude baraka kibao,unajua we only give what is inside us the much space we have given God dats da much He fills us and this is clear umepatia Christ a way big part of your life n what I feel is flowing from this song is the Love you have for God.
tyt
11"cut above the rest"
at Tuesday, 10 February 2009 12:33
for y'all thats listened to shem's 'tazama' n compare his interview ud knw tht ths is one very talented n humble guy.'tazama' is just a cut above the rest of the kind of gospel music we get to hear.keep it up shem(waziri) n God bless u.
12Comment
at Sunday, 22 February 2009 08:18
Shem apart from being in music he is a prayerful Youth leader and a great blessing to The Church of Jesus Christ and at KAG Buru Buru Church. Indeed I concur \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Killing the flesh is a real challenge \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"
It is best achieved by Dying daily ..Galatians 2:20.
God bless you man of God and lead Billions to the LORD Jesus.
13"Thank you"
at Saturday, 28 February 2009 16:37
Wow! I am amzaed by the love that God's people have. Thank you fam. I love y'all too. May God continue to spread His love thru us to a world that is in desperate need of it. Blessed Love.
14Comment
at Thursday, 07 May 2009 18:16
I just love the deep thought provoking lyrics. Made me think of the crusifixion scene from a totally different angle and caused me to marvel at the Master\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s great love anew. bigups Shem...A true soldier in the Lord\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s army destined for greatness.
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