Music Review: Nza Gukunda – Vinka

The latest single from Vinka is a single called Nza Gukunda. Let me lay it on the line – Swangz Avenue bet on Vinka filling the gap created by Irene Ntale walking out of their stable. They had probably seen something behind the scenes about Vinka that we hadn’t and went and bet on her. She hit the ground running, truth be told.

Vinka was something unlike anything we had ever seen. It is hard to even categorise the sort of artiste she is. Probably why Chips Na Ketchup will always be the most unconventional hit single to ever rock this town.

Has she lost some of her oomph effect? Yes. It is probably because she is no longer the novelty that she once was. Once folks got used to her unusual vocals, there was nothing left to marvel at, nothing to write about really. The folks at Swangz Avenue probably already knew this – they can be cynical – and they had Nwagi waiting in the wings as their insurance plan.

As a result, Vinka has become something of a forgotten love child - her profile really has sort of plateaued, and it’s not a good look.

Nza Gukunda, as a recent effort, has some things going for it – Swangz Avenue have
given it a bit of backing, with a video where the effort is obvious, even though the colours are alarmingly garish. So no, Swangz Avenue have not given up on her – but even this latest effort makes it seem like they are hedging their bets. Can’t blame them really – the reception to some of their latest efforts has been lukewarm at best. Yes, I am looking at you, Elijah Kitaka. But there will be time enough for that – let’s focus
on Vinka.

https://youtu.be/rmO1iTLjfLo?si=CH_9Cp1diwuiaA7M

I like her, mostly because her material was always unusual, almost by default, but this particular track is awful, forgettable nonsense.

The production is decent, of course – clean cut, professional and all that, but you can tell from the lack of a session musician on the track that there was more holding back going on. But a closer look at the melody is where you spot a frightfully mediocre bit of song writing with a melody that almost doesn’t exist.

The song has a great groove, and it is fun watching Vinka strut her stuff to it in the video, but that is all it has going for it.

Vinka, it might be time for you to complain and ask Swangz Avenue “What have you done for me lately?”.