What exactly is the use of a hidden track? Especially nowadays when no one’s willing to wait, and there’s every chance you’ll miss it. Which would be a shame in the case of Tumi’s second solo album. Usain Bolt, tucked away 5 minutes of silence after the brief, mournful title song featuring Canadian MC Ian Kamau, is possibly this album’s best cut.

It’s what Johannesburg’s Hip-hop industry looks like through the eyes of MC’s Tumi and Zubz – peers especially for being outstanding and yet standing on the outside looking in – how they feel about it, and their triumphant resolve to have it no other way. Zubz’ disconnect extends beyond mere rap relations. It has a socio-political aspect, with him being foreign AND Zimbabwean. And Tumi, though South African, finds it “ hard to speak local when you global and you always rolling in a league of your own…” weirdly bragging but pleading his case in the very same bar.

Just when he seems above it, he goes and admits it bothers him that his own cousins check for, say, a more dance-friendly DJ Sbu.

That will explain the Kwaito kingpin Brickz’ cameo. Not too wordy, it’s really about the loud and bolshie character he adds to Bambezela. And thankfully, it works over the broad, cinematic production worthy of the statement record that this is.

The reason I am late with this review is mostly because I had to be sure I loved this album this much. I can’t remember the last time I gave a 9/10 rating.
All the other reasons why I did this for Whole Worlds are on AfriPOP!

http://afripopmag.com/2010/02/tumi-whole-worlds-album-review-exclusive-track-villages-malls/#more-2813

And we threw in a little extra – an exclusive listen to the track ‘Villages & Malls’ featuring French artist Tairo. You’ll love it. I just know it.

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