Album Notes

Reviewed by George Luke (on Crossrhythms.co.uk)

This album first came to my attention when it was released in 2003 and Beatrice did a gig or two at Greenbelt. It was also my introduction to one of the UK urban gospel scene's best-kept secrets: ace producer Hez Thuo (another Kenyan expert), who produced it and co-wrote all bar one of the tracks with Beatrice. The only cover is the old Integrity worship standard "Be Glorified" sung in Swahili and English; the rest combine heartfelt praise and worship with a seamless blend of African rhythms and urban beats. When she sings in Swahili, Beatrice's powerful voice is at times reminiscent of Angelique Kidjo or a young Miriam Makeba. She doesn't fare as well on the songs in English ("Tell Me Why", "The Earth Is The Lord's") - but they're far stronger than certain other Afro-pop efforts I've been subjected to in the past, and they do give Hez the opportunity to mess about with Beatrice's voice on his vocoder, in a Cher-esque "Do You Believe.?" style. Hez also shines on the jazzy piano playing at the end of "Kumtegema Mokozi". As far as Afro-pop gospel records go, this is one of the best I've heard in a long time. Hopefully, a follow-up can't be too far away.