Celebrating Zuchu- Kweli Utatuua!

Understanding Zuchu's Style, Foundations and Why Utaniua is Slaying

By Richard Kitheka

?Tanzanian Songstress, divaesque Zuchu, 32, needs no introduction. As a musical enchantress who graces the musical stage with her captivating physical presence and her sultry, low to medium registry velvety tones. Her vocals captivate and allure, drawing listeners in with her sensual quality, refined vocals, her game is pretty much up there with the stars. ?Zuhura Othman Soud is back at it with Utaniua. But she has played it different with the new song, using the physical presence of her male counterpart Diamond Platnumz himself in her new video while choosing not to use his vocals at all. ?It’s marketing genius.

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Her humble silhouette betrays the aura of graceful poise and unmistakable confidence. Make no mistake, despite her diminutive height, she exudes an air of regality, commanding attention with every step and shiver she takes and makes- shaking the music charts- each and every time.

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And she should, she comes from a musical family as the daughter of Khadija Kopa, a Taarab songstress noted for her powerful and emotive voice which comes loaded with the weight of her musical and living experiences, drawing listeners into a world of love, longing and cultural heritage. Khadija’s music often reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Tanzania, evoking a sense of nostalgia and capturing the essence of traditional East African Taarab music.

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Zuchu, Kahdija’s daughter has inherited a lot of that Taarab vibe now and mixed I with other cultures. Zuchu stands out with her facial features which include rich, dark curls cascading as ribbons of ebony silk, framing her face with a touch of untamed allure. Her expressive eyes, shimmer like deep pools of honey, holding a glimmer of mystery and depth, reflecting the passion and emotion she pours into her music. Zuchu's physical appearance is a reflection of her inner beauty and artistic spirit, captivating hearts with her undeniable talent and striking presence. Her unique charm and magnetic aura make her a true force to be reckoned with in the world of music. ?

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Zuchu is a risen star, almost arriving at the zenith if it hasn’t already. Since her debut in 2020, Zuchu has gained significant recognition and popularity within Tanzania and across East Africa, who are undoubtedly streaming millions of views of her many songs in just four short years.

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It is this very beauty that is now enriching many with her latest song, Utaniua- a 4 minute bongo flavor that has seen over 3.6million views in just 9 days.

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The song, a collaboration with Diamond Platnumz, showcases her impressive vocal range and her ability to deliver emotional and heartfelt performances. With catchy melodies and engaging lyrics, "Utaniua" has resonated with audiences, further expanding Zuchu's fan base and increasing her visibility in the music industry.

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But what is it about Utaniua that is killing it and nailing platinum awards? (Pun intended)

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For starters it presents a heartfelt experience - an exquisite tapestry woven with the threads of deep emotions and profound connections. The video shows a local setting, a wedding in motion, a father in law who is against the couple- yet the couple that vow that they are one despite it all. It has a Romeo and Juliet escapade vibe.

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Wait a minute? Isn’t that the European theme of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? It is.

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It is a moment that escapes ordinary songs, igniting a spark across the divide of continents, within souls and leaving an indelible mark upon hearts. It is a symphony of modern and the traditional- see the buildings of old town sensations, the metaphor of religion and love; a bedrock of themes and the nexus of an old European Shakespearean theme and African modern refined presentation. A song where every musical note, character and setting resonates and pounds us with meaning and purpose.

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In this ethereal realm, time slows down, and the world around us fades into the background. Senses converge to create an immersive experience. It may come in the form of a shared glance, a tender touch, or a whispered word that speaks volumes.

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A heartfelt experience is an alchemy of vulnerability and authenticity. It is the warmth that spreads through your chest when you witness an act of kindness or feel the depth of someone's love. It is the bittersweet ache that tugs at your heartstrings when you encounter a profound loss or bid farewell to a cherished chapter of life.

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It is a cascade of emotions that can evoke joy, compassion, gratitude, or empathy. It is a swelling of the heart that can bring tears of both sorrow and bliss. It is an awakening of our capacity to feel deeply and connect intimately with the world and those around us. This song does that with ease reminding us of our shared humanity, of the intricate web that binds us together. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our joys or sorrows, and that our experiences have the power to touch and transform others.

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Listening to it is an experience that gives us a glimpse into the depths of our own souls and the souls of others. It is a reminder that amidst the complexities of life, there is beauty, tenderness, and a vast reservoir of emotions waiting to be discovered and shared. It is a reminder to savor these precious moments, for they are the threads that weave the fabric of our existence, creating a tapestry of memories that will forever be etched upon our hearts.

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To do this, the song has used a variety of instruments that altogether created a dynamic and engaging musical arrangement. The Ngoma drums, which include the large bass drum known as "ngoma kubwa" and smaller accompanying drums like "ngoma ndogo" that join into the song after a guitar strumming produce the rhythmic foundational patterns that we all recognize as Bongo flavor.

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The guitar plays a crucial role in Tanzanian music. Both acoustic and electric guitars may be used, providing melodic and harmonic support. The guitar creates rhythmic strumming patterns, melodic riffs, and solos, adding texture and depth to the song. But this song has used saxophones too and maybe some flutes. These contribute to a unique timbre, melodic lines, and expressive capabilities. They help evoke emotions, enhance the romantic mood, adding depth and complexity to the overall musical arrangement. Their presence can elevate a song, giving it an extra layer of richness and excitement. This is outstanding in Utaniua (which can be loosely translated from Swahili as: Honey, You will Kill Me).

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No song is complete without keyboards and pianos which add melodic elements and harmonies to the overall arrangement. They provide atmospheric sounds, play chord progressions and contribute to Utaniua’s melodies. It is not expressly clear if there is a keyboard or a synthesizer but for sure there is one.

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The bass guitar, responsible for establishing the low-end foundation and groove of the song has also come in handy. When played in juxtaposition with Zuchu’s sultry polished voice it is an amazing rendition.

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As such the song has an enhanced overall musical texture. You will feel this beat throughout Bongo songs, a kind of signature tune that identifies them. But Zuchu’s song has the added influx of a leading Simba star- Diamond himself whose role appears paddocked to the video only and much less in the vocals- if at all.

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Then of course there are the hidden instruments that you may hear- the percussions such as shakers, rattles, or hand drums. These have helped add to the actual instrumental arrangement finesse of "Utaniua"

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Over time the danceable rhythms of bongo flavor have captured our hearts.?These catchy beats create a lively and energetic rhythm that encourages movement and engagement. Bongo music grew from the incorporation of a fusion of various styles, including influences from traditional Tanzanian music, Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and Western pop. No wonder this music has become so beloved – by summarizing all our other likes, it has produced this pop sound that we love without being able to describe or explain why.

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Further Bongo songs often feature memorable melodic hooks and catchy choruses that are easy to sing along to- helping calm our usually jarred minds after a busy day or during the busy day. These melodic elements contribute to the overall catchiness and accessibility of the songs.

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Tanzanian musicians have also mastered the use of polished sound quality and attention to detail in the arrangement. The use of modern production techniques, electronic instruments, and sampled sounds adds a contemporary flavor to the music.?Some of Kenya’s leading musicians are also using this approach- Sauti Sol, Otile Brown, Willy Paul and Nadia Mukami appear to have incorporated the characteristic rhythms and melodies of Bongo music, while maintaining a high level of production quality and attention to detail.

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Zuchu is signed to WCB Wasafi, a Tanzanian music label founded by Diamond Platnumz. WCB Wasafi has been instrumental in promoting and developing numerous successful artists in Tanzania, and Zuchu is one of the notable talents associated with the label providing her with significant exposure and opportunities within the East African music industry.

Zuchu may be considered to operate in a universe filled with other successful female artists such as Vanessa Mdee, Lady Jaydee, Nandy, and Ruby, to name a few. Each of these artists has their distinct style, and they have all made significant contributions to the East African music industry. Zuchu's unique sound and approach to music have helped her stand out in a crowded field, and her success has earned her a place among Tanzania's most prominent female musicians.

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Countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria have shown considerable support for her music making her songs street anthems. Zuchu's collaborations with other African artists such as Adenkunle Gold, as well as her unique blend of contemporary and traditional sounds, have helped her gain a diverse and international following.

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