Beatrice Muniu - New Beginnings

Published Sunday 22nd January 2006
Beatrice Muniu - New Beginnings
Beatrice Muniu - New Beginnings

STYLE: World
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 14003-10125
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by George Luke

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 expat), 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.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Dedan in Kenya @ 21:07 on Sep 11 2009

aint i lucky that i understand the non-swahili, venacular songs too :-)

I love the instrumentation so much, so refreshing.. where was the recording done at? The quality definitely raises the standards.. plus powerful lyrics



Posted by James in London @ 11:14 on Dec 26 2008

Excellent quality, great future!



Posted by DJEight28 in London @ 14:30 on Feb 5 2007

I got a copy of this album last week and only just popped it into my CD drive.

This album is certainly one of the best Afro-pop albums I've heard in a long time. However to say that alone would be an injustice to the heart of worship that is quite clearly heard through the whole album.

Presentation and sound production are absolutely top quality for a first album and I would honestly recommend this album to anyone.



Posted by mary in northampton @ 15:10 on Apr 23 2006

hey, i recently just listened to this CD and it is soo uolifting.. Beatrice's vocals are superb !!!!especially the swahili ones.. and the afro beat is simply the best i've heard in a long time....



Posted by Allan in West Midlands @ 17:53 on Feb 28 2006

What struck me about this album was the excellent presentation and design of the cover. The music on the C.D dosen't dissapoint either. Beartice has an outstanding voice and I would recommend this to everyone. A great listen.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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