Album Review/ World : Tita Nzebi’s ‘Réminiscence’

They often say music reveals the soul of the artist. In Tita Nzebi’s case it is absolutely true. She sings with an authenticity that is hard to encounter. With her raspy, buttery voice, the French- African artist hypnotises her listeners, loops them in with the fluid sentiments and deep evocation. Her latest release is ‘Réminiscence’, an album that travels back in time, revisiting moments of provenance, genesis and becoming. Playing with blues, R&B/ soul, and regional African folk influences, the soundscapes are orbs of memory. They feel like precious gems, priceless. Even the aesthetic, ambience and the awakening all feel so raw yet exotic. 

The title track opens the collection. It is festive, dynamic, and colorful in all ways that transport you. The acoustic strings are delightfully rustic and chaotic. With earthy beats running spontaneously across it, her vocals burst into the scene. The emotions are authentic because they form as if spur of the moment. They don’t have that thought out finesse to them. It’s raw and true and memorable because of it. We see a similar make up and performance in ‘KEK’DA’. 

In ‘31 AOÛT’ ‘BA’ATE’ and ‘NZEMBI’ the artist takes a more soulful route. With floating Latin grooves, breezy blues and a light vocal atmosphere, the artist explores a rich culture of music. Blending such vast influences in a meaningful and expressive way. You can move and dance to your feelings. It starts from the inside and flows into a natural rhythm. And brings the same journey out in you. 

‘A’TA’ and ‘ETC.’ are bare soundscapes. It exposes the raw culture of her vocals. Informed. Accessoried with soft acoustics, her voice wanders and swirls with expression. It’s as if she’s swaying with her vocals. Contemplative, wise and all of it lifting into something that, even if you don’t understand the language, you can be led to.  Finally, ‘ARROGANCE’ and ‘MBAMA Scene’ are anthemic African music that is fun, full of life and wonderful with energetic choruses and a celebratory atmosphere. 

The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘Reminiscence’ by Tita Nzebi here -