Many have been wondering where the renowned and talented music maestro, ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ vanished to… Well, rest assured because the tribal house master has made a fresh turn with a brand new release, ‘9 Provinces’ which is packed with 15 songs. Not your average music doctor, the fresh album offers the best in the current music industry and this instalment is a testament that the ‘Chief of the Dance-floor’ is about to let loose in rejoice of this banging project!
Like he always do, ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ offers up-to-date sound with a number of thumping sing-along songs. Over and above that, the spinner also goes an extra mile to dish out tunes that are meant to ‘reclaim his spot in the music industry’. After being silent for just a little over a year, ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ does not only do a song, on this project it is quite clear that the magnetic producer wanted to let his music prowess takeover – putting together a release that covers a variety of musical styles in a house music structure.
Opening up the album is an intro called, ‘I Choose Me’ which features a poet by the name of ‘Tshegofatso’. The poetry-in-motion laced up with intriguing piano keys asks no permission to shoot straight to the heart. The marriage between the poem and Rabs Vhafuwi’s musical take is something one should praise willingly.
The opening of the album is just a tip of the iceberg though. Soon after that, the extraordinaire music genius starts to make a statement with a tune called, ‘Some Will Say’ which he joined forces with another industry troublemaker, ‘Brazo Wa Afrika’. This is one of those songs that you get to listen to when you want the party to gain some momentum. Not only is this a more matured beat that will go down well for real house music heads, it is also perfectly suited to be unleashed when one wants to show off their current music collection.
Taking a step further, the tribal house master then loops in the talented vocalist ‘Malik Zwane’ and together they panel-beat a love oriented jam titled ‘Run Away’. There is not much to say about this composition because both talents have proved their worth and on this one, they continue to cement their place in the mainstream music industry. One thing to appreciate on ‘Run Away’ is Malik’s easy to the ear songwriting skills and the saxophone that sings along to his vocal takes, and the Rhodes piano keys. What a tune!
Then there is ‘Where She Goes’ which he went to the studio to put together with ‘Pale Rozay’. Here, ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ brings the sound of a guitar – something he has become popularly known for. With ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’, it’s never a complete project if there is no few songs with a thumping guitar influence and ‘9Provinces’ is no exception.
‘Adventure’ is another commercially-driven instrumental song which features ‘Citizen Deep’, house music lovers are bound to pick up and run with this one. The song carries simple musical instrumentation with a carefully laid out arrangement – from the beginning to the end, the tune carries all the right ingredients for one to enjoy.
Taking the album a level higher, ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ goes on to team up with ‘Zak Leigh’ on a classic feel good song titled ‘I’ll Be There’. This tune is catchy and guarantees the listener that ultimate good music pleasure. There is something so classic about this song, it’s one of those tunes that you can play for many years to come without losing its authenticity and value.
Crossing over and giving everyone a reason to listen to this album, the DJ packages an instrumental party anthem hit, ‘Limpopo Ruler’ featuring ‘Candyman’. This is a thumping jam specifically designed for those who enjoy taking over the dance-floor to unleash their dancing skills. With this one, be prepared to dance the nght away like never before. ‘Best believe, you are going to put this on repeat!’
‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ impressively teams up with international renowned vocalist and industry shaker, ‘Portia Monique’ on another soul piercing tune, ‘For Your Love’. As expected, ‘Portia Monique’ injects some fresh vocals to give the tune a final stamp of approval. ‘For Your Love’ has provoking musical content and well laced vocal takes by the one and only. ‘This is so soulful and warm!’
All the way from the Eastern Cape, a rising star by the name of ‘Bukeka’ joins forces with the Chief himself and package another masterpiece titled, ‘Ndizifihla Kuwe’. With its upbeat tempo and inviting sounds, there is no reason why this tune should not climb the charts as soon as it hits radio. This is one majestic joint that is not only well produced but has the ability to brighten one’s day and also let you appreciate quality music. Let’s meet on the dance-floor while ‘Ndizifihla Kuwe’ is playing. Other songs to listen to include, ‘Hands Off’, album title track ‘9 Provinces (Ixesha)’ featuring ‘Blaq Opal’, ‘Beautiful Mistake’, ‘Get Up & Go’, ‘Let’s Go To China and ‘Try Harder’ featuring ‘Papa’.
With a string of hits which ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ has put together over the years, it is clear that this music doctor is serious about the art of music. With this release, the talent has taken his music a step further! ‘9 Provinces’ is simply a means of telling everyone that ‘Rabs Vhafuwi’ is still a force to be reckoned with. If I were you, I would add this release to my 2018 collection because this is a well packaged project that every house music fan should be listening to. ‘Go on, get yourself a copy and get down!’
Images By Rabs Vhafuwi