Henrie Mutuku - Simama

Published Wednesday 4th August 2004
Henrie Mutuku - Simama
Henrie Mutuku - Simama

STYLE: World
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 10258-9699
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by George Luke

With a name like Henrie, you'd expect this young Kenyan singer to be a bloke, but in fact, Henrie's a she! (but then, Ice-T's real name is Tracy and John Wayne was called Marion, so that's hardly shocking). Like any other young African today, Henrie has been exposed as much to Western pop and urban sounds as to the indigenous sounds of Africa and the album reflects that mix of influences. To be honest, she almost lost me right from the word go; the album opened rather inauspiciously with a bunch of kids reciting the 10 Commandments, then went into a song whose basic-sounding house arrangement didn't do much for me (the kids turn up again halfway through the album for another brief interlude, and again at the end). But then things started to get better. "Ole Wangu" (Woe Is Me) finds Henrie musing over the dilemma of trying to trust God when circumstances try to force you to look elsewhere for help. Guest rapper Steve Mutuku adds some ragga spice to the songs "Usichoke" (Don't Tire) and "Ole Wangu" and provides a nice opening to "Songa Mbele" (Move Ahead). "Manzi Wa Maana" (A Young Woman Of Reckon) features some Cher-style vocoder doodling. The sleevenotes give brief English summaries of what each track is about, complete with the Bible verses that inspired the songs. Henrie can sing and shows potential as a songwriter; she just needs to work on improving her memorable/not-so-memorable song ratio. And to leave the kids at home, unless she's doing a kids' album. (Don't bring them even then! Ed)

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Albert in Mombasa @ 11:45 on Dec 1 2009

Your voice is Golden, Your lyrics are great too, hope to listen to more songs from you. Be Blessed.



Posted by Samson in Omambia @ 22:47 on Jun 15 2009

You made a difference, not only to yourself but to all kenyans. Best Wishes.



Posted by Richard Mwanthi in Dayton Ohio @ 14:57 on Aug 8 2007

Yeah. it's Henries cousin. She know's my mom. here name is Anne muyah. my mom introdused henrie to the lord. and just wanted to tell henrie that keep doing what she's doing, and i hope i could be making records so that she could here them. from here cousin. Muendo. luv you.



Posted by Daniel in Kenya @ 15:28 on Jun 15 2007

One fundamental aspect of her music is that it integrates the passion and zeal to be a true servant of God. Thanks to this, one is able to work on having a stronger relationship with God. My wish is for more and more people to listen to this uplifting and inspiring music.



Posted by Tim in South Africa @ 14:10 on Oct 17 2006

There is more content here and again it gets one to think about stuff. It encourages when things seem difficult. If this is the first release, I'm surely looking forward to the second and hopefully not the last.



Posted by Mitch in South Africa @ 22:06 on Mar 20 2006

The music is tight! Your lyrics go all the way and speak about how I feel sometimes but you bring out how much bigger God is. Great stuff!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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