Spice Diana's "Kwata Wano" proves simple pop done right endures

MUSIC REVIEW

Our Thursdays are reserved for throw backs and this one might surprise you. Has Spice Diana been around THAT long?

Well, the song is about five years old which does mean it qualifies to end up in our throwback category.

Diana teamed up with Daddy Andre for this track and his distinctive style (catchy melody, non – obtrusive percussion, tons of synth work) worked for her. Andre has a great ear for a simple, pop melody, and worked his way around Diana’s somewhat ordinary vocals.

The song has a madly catchy hook, with a call-and-answer section built into it and that afro-beat groove that has engulfed the industry somehow. At this point in her career, Spice Diana was being taken a little more seriously. She had already upped the ante as far as her management was concerned and had proven that at least when it came to pop music, she could hold her own.

 

 
Spice Diana is not a powerhouse vocalist – not by any stretch of the imagination. However, power house vocals are not something she has ever claimed to possess. What she does have is an ability to own a simple melody and imbue it with tons of personality and charisma. Kwata Wano is a prime example of a formular she has perfected down the years, a formular that enabled her to develop a surprisingly lengthy portfolio of material.

Simple, memorable, easy on the ear material – Kwata Wano is vintage Spice Diana, instantly recognizable, something you can pop your head to. Her music makes her come across as remarkably relatable and I have seen her crowd work – she is good at working her way with an audience.

Spice Diana might be the industry’s girl-next-door. She moved in before we knew what was going on.