Nothing on the local music scene has grabbed my attention recently. Yes, there’s been amazing work out there, but speaking as a fan, nothing has leapt out at me. Everything feels predictable, almost routine.
By Marshall Shonhai
Then came the news that Obey Makambureyi, better known as Tocky Vibes had released a 61-track album. Yes, you read that right—61 songs! My initial reaction? Madness. Who does that? But then again, Tocky does. And not just does—he excels. Throughout the album, he declares, “Batai wenyu, wangu anopenga.”
Tocky anopenga!
But hear me out.
What is an album, really? According to Ditto Music:
“An album or LP (Long Play) refers to a full-length body of work, featuring between 7-29 tracks, and running roughly 35-60 minutes. An EP (Extended Play) features 4-6 tracks and runs 15-22 minutes, up to 30 at most.”
Some experts argue that albums with over 50 tracks should be split into multiple releases. Others cap album durations at 80 minutes. Tocky, however, has shattered these conventions, delivering 195 minutes of music—over three hours.
What sets Haunhonge Nyama apart?
My fear was that in an album of this size, many tracks would be throwaway fillers. Yet, surprisingly, every single song is well-crafted and stands as a potential hit. Tocky’s writing is exceptional—something we’ve come to expect from the ever-evolving Chamakuvangu.
From this extensive collection, I’ve created my own personal playlist, featuring these tracks:
1. Akaita Mari Anozotinetsa
2. Chama Muhombe Part 2
3. Chimanimani
4. Disco
5. Dumebi
6. Eke
7. Kana Usiri Murudo
8. Ma Baby Ese
9. Mabasa emawoko
10. MaEX
11. Masoja Emumuviri
12. Mukombe
13. Munhu Wangu Wakudhara
14. Mwari Vanoziva
15. Ndikatanga Kugaya
16. Ndochemera Amai Vangu
17. Ngavasakunyepere
18. Nguva NdiBaba Vedu
19. Peace of Mind
20. Plan yeWeekend Chete
21. Rira
22. Rudo Rwega
23. Undinamatire
24. Zvamunondireva
25. Zvavanoda
26. Amai Mwenje
The album cover pays homage to legends like Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Tupac, and Fela Kuti, signaling Tocky’s ambition to leave a lasting legacy and reviling his diverse musical influences.
Sampling and Influences.
Tocky pays tribute to local and international legends by creatively sampling classics. For instance:
Eke samples Alexio’s Ndinomhanya and Buju Banton’s Yes My Friend featuring Stephen Marley.
Enjoyer features Shonaboi and borrows from Michael Jackson’s Heal The World.
Marshall Munhumumwe’s Kwawazvinzwa Soya Zviriko resurfaces in MaEX, while Zvamunondireva reimagines John Chibadura’s Mukadzi Wamakandiroorera.
These nods feel like a celebration of music’s rich tapestry rather than mere imitation.
Few Collaborations, Diverse Sounds
Out of 61 tracks, Tocky only features four artists: Shonaboi (twice), Calvin Mangena, and Tryson Chimbetu. Still, he experiments boldly, blending reggae, dancehall, jiti, and amapiano. Songs like Dzvinyangu (jiti) and Unondipa Energy (amapiano) defy categorization, making it hard to label this as purely Zimdancehall.
As my brother Ranga Mberi aptly puts it, “Tocky is some weird talent.” He proves it here, showing he can master almost any genre. The oddity of releasing 61 tracks only underscores his creative genius.
But will the world listen?
The biggest challenge for Haunhonge Nyama is whether all these songs will get the attention they deserve. Are there enough fans willing to dive into 61 tracks of musical brilliance?
With this release, Tocky claims the record for the largest Zimbabwean album, surpassing R Peel’s 45-track project. Whether or not you’re ready for all 61 songs, one thing is clear: Tocky Vibes has cemented his status as a creative trailblazer in the local music industry.
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