Red Pepper (2026)

24/07/2022

"HONEY" RED PEPPER EP REVIEW

R&B songbird Uchii makes her project debut with her self titled EP; Honey.

Having followed her music since it's inception, I naturally went into the project interested in her growth over this last 15 month hiatus. Boy was I in for a treat.

Describing the project as one centered around relational desperation and a search for understanding, Uchii and her team make sure the sounds in the project communicate it with a great level of seriousness.

Frequent collaborator and producers Menace ZM & DuncanBeatz are enlisted as leading producers of her vision (with the occasional addition of J-hun and Benaiah). The level of chemistry shown between all of the these guys nothing short of amazing. With no dull moment, there are little to no questions to be asked production wise. The energy is rhythm and bass trapsoul with hints of occasional neo/techno effects. Interesting right ? Exactly my point. My qualms follow the low end mixing, it was mostly clear but felt uncomfortable in some songs hampering my experience.

Without pulling any punches, the biggest growth came from the maturity felt and clarity of her voice. How things are said is cardinal to song writing and Uchii varies cadence within the confines of disappointment and melancholy according to songs she graces. This did wonders in making me feel her lostness and hopelessness. Backing vocals equally added to this taking every possible shape and form being precisely placed complementing her experience with a extra care for detail missing in her previous releases.

As if not enough, the subject matter solidifies the gravity of her feelings putting out a convincingly consistent and completely human performance. Not a single falsehood can be felt and the wordplay touches beautiful peaks while playing with concepts. These arent the Same Old Songs you hear by female Zambia Artists. Need I say more ?

Have a listen here:

https://album.link/qjntbtjqxgwch

[10/10]

Written By: Jst Jones_
(C) 2022 Red Pepper

24/07/2022

“DEVIL DOESN’T BARGAIN” RED PEPPER REVIEW

Released on 15th April, 2022, It has been a hit parade lately, ultimately having more than 300,000 videos made to its sound on TikTok. “Devil doesn’t bargain” is the 10th song in “(un)commentary” Alec Benjamin’s latest album. Alec Benjamin’s sound is Pop/Rock pop and they definitely reflect this notion in this song.
The song begins with an atmospheric synth line but when the guitar, piano and all-too-normal major singer emerges we already know it is a rock pop song the first thing to snap your attention is Alec’s beautiful voice in his first line “The devil doesn’t bargain” from the way he started the song I could tell it is about to be good even before I heard the entire song. I love the melody and the low guitar there, the most interesting part is how unique the next line is, it being more of a conversation makes it interesting for a listener to want to hear more.

From hearing that, I am assuming it’s a conversation between two friends though we don’t know for sure, but this friend is in an abusive relationship, and the guy being framed as the devil by her friend whereas the girl being attached to this toxic guy that she thinks she can change him.

I can clearly see how the song gets popular as it corresponds “ladies who are involved in toxic relationships, being abused by their toxic partners and still finding it hard to let go of that relationship most of the people relate henceforth they get interested and inspired to make videos acting the situation the song explains.

Besides that, it is really a very good song and worth the hit parade. I don’t know what inspired Alec in this song, the lyrics to this song are extremely meaningful and creative. The inspiration isn’t known yet but I don’t think that the intentions were merely for preying on people’s emotions and making people buy the song, because it has accentuated overwhelming emotions.

I feel more understanding to what the song actually means will be derived from the official music video to know if he was really referring to the devil or a toxic partner. I haven’t come across any announcement regarding to that but I think the fans are dying to see the official music video. Alec made us fall in love with the last part of the song ending it with a very soothing harming. Well I don’t know if he is Christian but I’m glad he really spoke the truth about the devil throughout his lyrics.
Links:
https://youtu.be/6zNHZkT3DXk

Written by Chipepo
(C) Red Pepper

03/07/2022

“NEVER FORGET RED PEPPER SONG REVIEW
Sampa The Great dropped the first single “Never Forget” off her Forthcoming 2nd studio album “As Above So Below”. I must say after listening to this song the first couple of times, being African and black felt so good.

The song is a whole vibe mostly because of how she brings back Zamrock and blends it with HipHop. Not only that that song is rich in content and Carries a message I feel each and every black person should embrace.

The song made me realize how influential we are as Africans and the impact we have on the world 🌎.

She collaborated with Chef 187 for this first time and the Man delivered an authentic verse. My favorite part was when he said “Battle rapping in form of ifi shobo”. Tio Nason and Mwanjé who are also on the song brought the hook to life with their chants. Listening to the song made me feel so powerful because of they lyrics and how they were delivered.

The video is a well put together African themed set of visuals. The outfits and the dance choreography made the video special for me. I’ve watched a number of times and I don’t think I’ll stop.

This is a masterpiece that awe should all support. Shoutout to Sampa and her team for putting together this amazing project.
Link:
Written by: Mwaba Bungo (C) 2022 Red Pepper

02/06/2022

"TICKAHOLIC" RED PEPPER EP REVIEW

Uncle Ticky solidifies his stance as a diverse and versatile artist with his "Tickaholic EP". Gracing Alternative Rap, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, and progressive Orchestral Symphonies there are little to no reasons to deny this stance.

Pronouncing himself an artistic king, Ticky delivered a masterful performance in "King". Switching from style to style in an endeavor to show his enemies that he is king with himself (well-knit backing vocals) further aids in serving his kingship. This song stands out as the leading high-energy song on the project.

What followed throughout the project was the feel of fully fleshed-out production and vocal performance making for a very captivating listen.

Qualms with the project developed only when trying to grasp the concept. A certain level of disconnect I owe to the varying styles with little guidance beyond intro clips between each song. This at times took me by surprise leading up to me asking "what is this really about ?" and "Does the project even have any connection from song to song".

That said, what is most interesting about this project was how it narratively progressed after the high energy track 1 with songs like Cest le Vie, Money Maketh Man, Deja Vu, Mercy, and YOLO delved deeper into relationship fueled addiction. Amazingly this message didn't reach me as a listener but as a learner. Only when interested in the meaning behind the whole project can one reach a true conclusion.

All things considered, the project is calm and soothing even on the more upbeat songs. This made it great for a passive listen and an even greater active one. So being what I believe to be a painting of the power struggle between relationships and ambition, I now pose the question to you:

Does Tickaholic stand for term music by Uncle Ticky you should be addicted to?

Or does it stand as a reflection of him trapped in a cycle of addiction in which he breakdowns and rebuilds himself around what he loves?

You let us know after giving it a listen below:

https://uncleticky.fanlink.to/Tickaholic

[7/10]

Written By: Jst Jones
(C) 2021 Red Pepper

02/06/2022

“LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL ” RED PEPPER SONG REVIEW

Cleo Ice has just recently released her first debut EP Leaders Of The New school. This Ep marks a new term for her, as we now see her influence rise with collaborations with Gen Z Zed artist such as Princess Natasha Chansa - PNC, Mix Kasamwa, JayTrigga and F.A.K.E.

Leaders Of The New School is her first release under Def Jam Recordings Africa and being signed to such a major label shows the potential Cleo has had for quiet some time. The Ep seems like an attempt to set Cleo up for the current era in Zed music which is very Trap driven. But it doesn’t restrict her from her classic sound.

Cleo has been putting out music and making a name for Female rap in Zambia for sometime now. Especially taking into consideration that we are in a new era and fast food age of music. Streaming is a major thing and a lot of albums and EPs don’t last really long. There is so much accessibility to music now especially with Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, so it would be normal for people to have an inclination for new music with the like of this generation.

With this Ep she set out to cultivate a diverse sound. The storytelling of her being vulnerable of her love life along with her up rising and showcasing the LSK culture of today is the main focus of this project. Not only filled with the modern Hip Hop/Rap and Afro-Beats sonics mixing it up classic Zed word play but adding R&B with some Neo Soul style on tracks like So Cold and Voodoo Luv featuring Tio Nason. While adding a distinctive style of UK Trap on the ninth track Understand featuring OREO.

I think this was a solid debut for Cleo and will hopefully lead to people seeing her as more serious and versatile artist. It played with some interesting sonic ideas. She takes on a different approach thematically. It’s her most expressive and experimental Ep for now and definitely something I would consider a natural progression for her. given the fact she’s been in the rap game for so long.

Cleo has incredible flow with a suitable range and she should let it shine and take more forefront of the songs she has more often. I do feel like the lyrics can be half baked at certain points throughout the Ep. It’s not a dark or deep Ep so I don’t try to view it that way. I would say the Ep tells like a diary of how reflective Cleo’s head space was when she made the Ep from that time. So one can appreciate the personal aspect of the Ep.

There where some dubs to the Ep. I think it could have been cut down to 5-6 tracks to make it an actual Ep (10 tracks is what would be considered an album). It offers a mixed bag and some songs weren’t needed. I would have also suggested that a single or two would have been released to give fans something to expect. The vocal arrangements and delivery are well done. All in all it was an enjoyable listen. You didn’t know what to expect. Is she going to go there will she back off. What sounds will we hear just a few questions that can pop into a listeners mind when listening.

I do think Cleo is succeeding and curving a path for herself and hopefully making an artist identity that’s recognizable. I will say this Ep is definitely an artistic evolution for her and gives fans, general listeners and new listeners a side with never seen from the female rapper. It’s a nice landing for an Ep which is coupled with fun, moody and Erie sonics that talk about heartbreak, uprisings, success and showing the Zambian culture.

Even if it didn’t hit the mark on some parts, the production does sound expensive and detailed that’s the quality music one can appreciate.It may be her first release yet but it’s her most versatile to date by far.

Cleo has come so far and although she’s given us hints throughout her career Leaders of The New School is her first Ep to take it there. She put her best foot forward and delivered sincere collection of bangers and modern sounding Rap. I like this Ep it’s a promising debut effort and seeing the highlight she wants to accomplish. One can only expect stronger material with her next upcoming releases.
Link: https://cleoicequeen.lnk.tt/LOTNS

Written by: Mwaba Bungo (C) 2022 Red Pepper

31/05/2022

“LEFT EYE” RED PEPPER SONG REVIEW
They say sometimes you don’t find best songs they find you and that’s exactly what happened for me to discover this song. I was scrolling through statuses when I found out about this jam.

Zedarts Signee Sean Trey collaborated with KD for a song titled “Left Eye”. “Left Eye” is basically a calm and chilled love song.

The song was about a guy who falls for this girl basically for all the right reasons. The artists give a quick description of her body and further shower her with praises.

I personally fell in love with the song at first listen because it’s easy to vibe to. It’s the type of song to get you in your feels the moment you connect with it.

The two artists deliver a record with so much passion and emotion. I always say a love song has to speak to your heart and this song was an example of just that.

The song was self produced by Sean Trey himself who understood the concept and direction of the jam. The artwork clearly showed that this particular jam is for simps 😂 so if you’re Future this might not exactly fit you but for us part time simps we are enjoying.
I highly recommend you give it a listen
Link to song: https://linktr.ee/Iamseantrey

Written by: Mwaba Bungo (C) 2022 Red Pepper

20/05/2022

“LOCATION” RED PEPPER SONG REVIEW
Yo Maps Yo just dropped his first single under Nexus Music Entertainment Ltd which also happens to be the first single after his debut album “Komando”

Like most of his other songs “Location” is a love song an area which seems to be his forte. The song basically aims at fixing things with his girl like any noble good man would. The singer (in this song) seeks to find his girl who left home after a dispute and now him as the loving man he is tries to find her and fix things hence the Location part.

You can with this song that Yo Maps and his team aimed at doing something a liltle bit different with the language. Yo Maps uses more English in this particular song as compared most of his other songs. I love this direction because it sets him up nicely for an international breakthrough that he is bound for. Despite using English for most parts of the song he still did maintain using a bit of local language (Nyanja to be specific) which still connects him with his country.

Despite the slight language switch up, Yo Maps still maintained his sound and song delivery. This shows that he is able to be Versitile and still maintain his original self. In this song Yo Maps also refers to his girl as Folake a word that was coined by Pheelz the producer from Nigeria 🇳🇬.

If there is something I’ve learnt it’s that from its inception Nexus music as a label never disappoints with the quality and details of their artists music videos. This video was no exception because like a good video should, it tells a story and also brings out the entertainment. Another thing that to me is commendable about the video is the Models in the video. Normally most zambia videos have average looking models who are either either because they can dance or can wear revealing clothes. The ones in the the location video are actually good looking.

The chemistry between Mr-Stash Beats and Yo Maps continues to reflect judging by the quality of music the two male everytime the link up. Stash continues to be a go to producer if you need a hit song in this country.

With the right push and support I expect this song to not only break records but also to break some international barriers as well.
S/O to Dj-Kandeke
Link to song: https://youtu.be/7BxCnnHbups

Written by: Mwaba Bungo (C) 2022 Red Pepper

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