“Gemini” is a 15-track project playing host to a fine collection of artists. Included among the featured artists are Zaba, Ami Faku, Nkosazana Daughter, Masuda, Unathi, MK Soulz, Bassie, PapeKeys, Umzulu Phaqa, KamzaHeavyPoint, Hush SA, Frigid Armadillo, Idd Aziz, Ben September, Mandlin Beams, Ngasi, Polaris, and Dr. Thulz.
The album opens with “Sibemunye,” in which he features Zaba, who sings ever-so-smoothly over some chill but bouncy house instrumentals. The track comes with a certain crescendo, but reaches up there only a few times, leaving the vibe coolly hanging steady.
Taking up from where track 1 ended things comes in the next track, “Zimbali,” featuring the one and only Ami Faku, a seasoned songstress who did bring her A-game to the song that starts with the just the playing of the bubbling House beat, clearing the path and setting the mood.
“Sbindi Uyabulala”, the third song comes in third place, with Nkosazana Daughter & Masud picking up the energy with the sharpness in the vocal delivery that also seemed to match the somewhat fast-paced beat. The melodious harmony brought into the mix by Nkosazana made everything better.
Slipping back into that chill zone, Unathi comes with the sole aim of serenading and in the most soothing manner. So committed to the cause she brings a whole choir to back her up as she sings sweetly over the track that is “Thixo Wethu”.
MK Soulz brings his unique singing abilities to “Uzozisola Wena”, the fifth song. He goes to repeat a chant for the most part of the cool but upbeat song.
Prince Kaybee decides to switch things up on the sixth song, employing the services of a cello. “Milani” is really that song to dance to alone at the end of a great day that went your way. It’s that jam you unwind to with a tall glass of red wine sitting in the corner.
“Iyeza” gets invited to the party and decides it’s time to shake things up a notch. Bassie and PapeKeys ride the ever-rising wave of this club-esque jam that starts off energetic and bouncy only to descend to a slow low toward the end of the song.
The energy is taken up yet again in “Khetha”, which features Umzulu Phaqa & KamzaHeavyPoint. The energy is maintained throughout the song as Ms. Phaqa does a repeat chant before the allowing the beat ride out to the end.
Zaba makes another appearance on “666”, the ninth song. Choosing to workout with this song might be a great choice, but you may want to go easy on yourself when you catch yourself unknowingly going off-routine to have a good dance. This one brings the club to your brain. Literally.
“Moments” leaves you dripping with great vibes after it dips you into the moment presented to you by Hush SA and Frigid Armadillo. It would almost seem that their voices were created solely for songs of this nature, seeing as they took the song and made it come alive by breathing fire into it. Masterful piece.
“Tayari” is fast-paced but actually very relaxing song, or maybe that is the Idd Aziz effect. He understood the assignment and delivered, blending into the
beautiful, piano-spiced instrumental, and finishing off with some riffs and runs. Nice touch.
“Breakfast In Soweto” and “Sambe Siyo Jola” come with some polarizing energies, but the highs and lows eventually even out themselves. Both great, bouncy tunes, only operating on different frequencies.
The smooth-singing Polaris on “Nanikamawewe” makes it less of a burden for the song to ease into the album’s closing song, “Jazz According To The House.”
The project was produced chiefly by Prince Kaybee with help from other ace South African producers.
