World Affairs

Mpho Majiga is a South African gospel singer with a disco vibe. This is his fifth album and World Affairs, as its title suggests, deals with big issues – songs encourage listeners to ‘say no to terrorism’ and to help victims of Ebola. The first impression of the album is MIDI-tastic: there are synthesized xylophones and programmed cowbells and handclaps. It sounds less drastic further through the album, but whether that's because it's employed more tastefully or whether your ears simply get used to it, I’m not sure.

Across the seven unique tracks (plus a handful of remixes and reprises), Majiga's music remains consistent in being standard Afro-gospel meets pop, only with less proselytising. It's very cheesy, but I have to admit it is rather charming. A lot of the tracks are feel-good fun; slip the reggae remix of ‘Dream of Peace’ into your summer 2018 playlist to be guaranteed a smile, and the best is saved till last, with a house remix of the track ‘Help’. If you like cheery gospel and don’t mind a couple of questionable harmonies or ersatz electronic instruments, maybe give this a shot.