Reviewed by Rosemary Payne

Judging by our first impressions of this 8-track album reggae enthusiasts can take note of a new name on the scene. Zimbabwian, Tendai Gamure offers engaging sanctified reggae, redeeming a musical genre rooted in Rastafarianism, and grafting it into the CCM tree. Finding inspiration in the Psalms there is a freedom and joy in Tendai's music which reflects his new found faith, as of February 1995, and his desire to reach the unsaved. With a voice sweeter and smoother than a Bounty bar, the guy was born to sing and became part of Zimbabwe's first ever reggae band before moving to England and working with the likes of gregory Isaacs and Aswad in the last five years. From the opening bars of "Make A Joyful Noise" the rays of this musical sunshine hit you and it is impossible to remain unmoved, especially in the lower limb department. Talented Tendai provides his own musical accompaniment (whether by choice or by necessity we know not) and therein lies our only quibble. The synthesised backing, though polished, cries out for a genuine horn section and unplugged percussion to support his mellifluous vocals. Still, an unpretentious album beckons, one guaranteed to cheer the soul on a cloudy day.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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