Not much is in the public domain about Esther Kalunde, Kijiji Recording artist, but what she lacks in profile she makes up for in musical intelligence. Her debut album bears rich lyrical content, powerful vocals as well as sophisticated and well-arranged music.   

Esther is one of the few musicians in the country who actually sing and need not cover their songs with catchy electronically generated beats, with her vocal range broad enough to allow a train passage ( a little exaggeration never killed anyone). Ok I am over doing it but you sure do get the message.

The album is an assortment of musical genre including pleasant sounding Taarab, Chakacha, Zouk and afro-fusion.
 
In ‘Anaweza' (He is Able) she affirms Gods ability to attend to her every need. The track features an exhilarating guitar solo and could easily become a favourite worship chorus.

'Hakuna Kama Wewe' (No One Like You) builds on the preceding theme, as she extols the uniqueness of God. This heartfelt ballad is highly dependant on vocal over lays and piano indulgences. In ‘Nafsi Yangu' (My Whole Being), she asks God to fill her being with a longing to praise and worship Him.

‘Neno' (Scripture) a dotingly crafted track betrays Swahili influences and tantalizing taste. It has a definite ‘Taarab' charm to it - unassuming yet naggingly catchy and letting loose a lot of familiarity. It reverberates with the message that the Bible must be the foundation for every Christian.
 
'Nitaweza' (Kiswahili for I will make it) is an encouraging song where Esther reasons that if Jesus made it on earth then she too can make it. This is radical thinking. It is easy to forget that Jesus said that we would be able to do greater thingss than He did while on earth.

'Osa Ngumu' is one of the funkier tunes on the album. Next comes ‘Sijapoteza' (I have not lost). You probably have been told you are insane because you believe in a God you cannot see or that your faith is a passing fad. Esther assures us that she is all right with Jesus and she has not lost Him. ‘Pokea Sifa' (Be Magnified) is a ‘Chakacha' praise chorus enumerating Gods greatness. Like all her tracks, this one is most enjoyable and easy listening.

It is not easy, having to wait and believe that God is attending to your cry. It is easier, like King Saul did, to go out and attempt to intervene, a situation that could open us up for disappointment. The Track ‘Subira' (Patience) persuades confidence in God. He does come through eventually and always in time. This is a comforting track.

I think more than anything Kenyans need to pray for the state of the nation. ‘Usalama Kenya ' (Peace Kenya ) is a prayer that God will keep Kenya peaceful.

Breaking into new frontiers with her Afro-fusion Coastal Zouk she intends to reach the coastal inhabitants and people of the islands with God-filled music that they can easily identify with. She succeeds gracefully.
 
Album reviewed by: T.O

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