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Ami Faku, Imali

Eastern Cape has always been able to breed a wealth of talented artists especially when it comes to the music industry so one can say Ami Faku had a lot to live up. I am glad to report she did exactly that and more. The singer and songwriter made quite an impression with her single Into Ingawe with Sun EL- Musician which left the music scene wanting even more from her.

Her debute album titled, Imali which means money was worth every cent of what I spent buying the body of work.

Ebhayi, paints a picture so beautifully why Port Elizabeth is known as the Friendly City. The songs may bring back some childhood memories for those who grew up in the region but also doesn’t make those who never been there feel felt out. Without taking away any credit from Ami or even trying to compare her, this album reminded me of a young Zarah whose debut album was simply a journal of how life was and where she sees herself being in the next few years.

The vulnerability of the body of work will have anyone relate to some of the issues she talks about especially if you are in your mid-twenties entering your thirties because that period in life is when many are question where is the trajectory of their life going. In a way, she is forcing her audience and listeners to deeply look into their own lives and admit which areas that need some love and forgiveness. It’s as if she is telling you that yes life happens but everything will be okay. Simply put, Ami invites us to read every single chapter she has written in your journal book that he later turned into an amazing musical piece. The album also questions the moral compass of our society. Are we doing enough within our communities to make thing better? Thought-provoking!

The production of the masterpiece was handled by Blaq Diamond, Sun-El Musician, 37MPH Eternal Africa and Wilson which truly makes sense why the album has a blended elements of Afropop and African Jazz.

Inde Lendela which means, This Road is long, perfectly expresses how life can get hard and the long different road one had to walk into to get where they are. She doesn’t shy away from how everyone wants to succeed in life, the road can be challenging but we hold onto faith that tomorrow will bring some positive moments. If one asked me which song best describes your 2019,Inde Lendela would be my choice. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy but in the end, the hardships are worth it. One song that reminded me about some of the lessons or lecturers my mother would tell us growing up is Tshomi yam, My Friend, My mother would always say "Sanuthanda itshomi" meaning stop loving friends or don't make friends your priority. Listening to the track I got to laugh at some of the bad friendships i had plus shared some laughter with my own mother as I immediately listened to the song with her. I guess black mother are all the same. And what will an Afropop album be if it did not have a romantic song?! Hopeless romantics will love Masivume, Let’s agree, will have you slow dancing with your partner or even sending that text you have been meaning to send to your ex.

 I hope in future she will collaborate with Samthing Soweto has their both have similar gifts in making the audience be vulnerable while listening to their music. I would give this album a ten out of ten, not because we both grew up in PE but for the first time in a long time, I listened to an album that felt like it was written and produced only for me. Captures very special and tough life moments that we all experience.