Music in Me/Nziyo Dziri Mandiri

Gera's 2016 song ‘Chema Zimbabwe’ (Cry Zimbabwe) was a heartfelt critique of the deteriorating economic and political situation in his country. Recorded in the touching but perhaps naive belief that ‘through music, Zimbabwe will be set free,’ the song led to death threats that forced him into exile, first in South Africa (where he recorded this album) and then Sweden. Musically, the record is a glossy, global pop confection, mixing hip-hop, R&B, house, electro and a little light jazz. Earthier Zimbabwean roots shine through rather too rarely, although when they do – particularly on ‘Kukanyaira’ (Walk Tall) and ‘Kundinunura’ (To Rescue Me) – the effect is pleasing.

Singing in various southern African languages, the translations suggest that the album is more interesting lyrically than it is musically. ‘Mangwanani Sanibonani’ (Good Morning) is an ‘Africa Unite’ anthem, ‘Kukanyaira’ is one of those coded parable-tpe of songs that Tomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi favour and seem to be a Zimbabwean speciality, and ‘Landlord Wangu’ (My Landlord) is about the exploitation of village folk arriving in the big city. Gera's back story demands our respect and he deserves our support. But approach his album with caution.