Clever J, master of Afro-beat style
HIS claim to fame was the Swahili chart-buster, Manzi Wanani, which many mistook to be one of Jose Chameleone’s hits. But the video of the song later proved that little-known Gerald Muwonge a.k.a Clever J, owned it. Thereafter he basked in the glory of
By Pidson Kareire
HIS claim to fame was the Swahili chart-buster, Manzi Wanani, which many mistook to be one of Jose Chameleone’s hits. But the video of the song later proved that little-known Gerald Muwonge a.k.a Clever J, owned it. Thereafter he basked in the glory of his musical work.
The song ruled airwaves for almost two years and scored high on the local music scene throughout 2007.
This time round, Clever J has dropped another hot song, Sumulula, off his seven-track album. Like his previous work, Sumulula, has a high tempo that makes it discotheque-oriented. It has a melodious introduction and is a blend of zouk and dancehall.
In the song Clever J urges a lover to let love flow freely. Other tracks on the album include Nsula Nkulota; Njagala Mbe naawe; Nalongo; Mwenzio; Leka Leka and Thala Afia. The only setback is that all the songs are about love.
The tracks are done in afro beat style and Clever J has not departed from his original style. A composer, producer and singer, Clever J has become a force to reckon with in the local music industry.
He, however, brushes off critics who liken his style to that of his cousin, Chameleone. “My style is original; all that is nonsense,†he says.
One of Clever J’s strength is in his ability to maintain a high tempo in his songs, making them danceable and earning him a sizeable fan base.
HIS claim to fame was the Swahili chart-buster, Manzi Wanani, which many mistook to be one of Jose Chameleone’s hits. But the video of the song later proved that little-known Gerald Muwonge a.k.a Clever J, owned it. Thereafter he basked in the glory of his musical work.
The song ruled airwaves for almost two years and scored high on the local music scene throughout 2007.
This time round, Clever J has dropped another hot song, Sumulula, off his seven-track album. Like his previous work, Sumulula, has a high tempo that makes it discotheque-oriented. It has a melodious introduction and is a blend of zouk and dancehall.
In the song Clever J urges a lover to let love flow freely. Other tracks on the album include Nsula Nkulota; Njagala Mbe naawe; Nalongo; Mwenzio; Leka Leka and Thala Afia. The only setback is that all the songs are about love.
The tracks are done in afro beat style and Clever J has not departed from his original style. A composer, producer and singer, Clever J has become a force to reckon with in the local music industry.
He, however, brushes off critics who liken his style to that of his cousin, Chameleone. “My style is original; all that is nonsense,†he says.
One of Clever J’s strength is in his ability to maintain a high tempo in his songs, making them danceable and earning him a sizeable fan base.