Exciting new act, Gimba is vulnerable on debut project and bares himself and artistry wholeheartedly in the music, resulting in music that speaks to the soul.
2023 was a very busy year for Afrobeats artist, Gimba who wasn’t just one of the standout artists on The Sarz Academy’s “Memories That Last Forever 2” making not one, but four appearances and also getting a DJ Tunez co-sign on the Wizkid assisted, “Blessings.” There was surely something unique and special about this emerging artist, if industry heavyweights were co-signing him, including Olamide this year. And now with his debut EP, he showcases the profound elements of his music which is simply resonant music that speaks to the soul, through honesty.
Opening track, Nightmares opens with an overlap of voicenotes from various people piling expectations on him. As an artist on the rise, with notable collaborations with veterans—a lot is indeed expected from him. Halfway through, the beat switches from rumbling synths to a dance hall infused beat and Gimba sings about his resolve and intent to not buckle under all the pressure. There is a seamless segue into the second track, F*ck U.,an upbeat Afropop song that has a deeper foray into his state of mind from the last track. His demons had him staying up and surviving through nightmares, but now in positive spirits he’s affirming that he’ll be alright whilst sticking the middle finger to his detractors.
On Tingrado, he’s not jaded and sings from a heart filled with love as he waxes poetic about how his love interest makes his heart “gongo aso.” Olamide absolutely steals the show and delivers a guest verse that’s up there with his best in recent times with witty wordplay and laid back, sublime flows that epitomizes his recent ‘sophisticated‘ approach to rap that’s so effective and synonymous with his status as an OG. This song also makes you wish there were other featured artists on this EP to provide variance, that could elevate the other songs.
Only U heads into Afro-Swing territory and Gimba’s delivery here is quite lacking, because the pace of the beat required more flows from him to fill up the pockets, but his lyrics and cadences are lacking. Nonetheless, the chorus is quite catchy. The production on Happy flatters Gimba’s delivery, as he sings about his ultimate desire to be happy and power through his trials and tribulations. This song is a mid tempo Afropop song with euphonious acoustic guitar chords and jazz horns. It’s probably the best song on the album and the one that would have fared better in the mainstream with the Olamide co-sign, but oh well.
Indeed Gimba’s Amince De Tsari is undeniably Gimba making music that’s true to himself and his experiences—and it does showcase a true picture of his artistry. However, the EP would have benefited from more dynamism through more featured artists or variance in delivery from Gimba himself.
