Zaena Morisho is a singer-songwriter, recording artist, and performer who was born in the DR Congo and raised in Houston Texas. The Los Angeles based Zaena, sings in English, Swahili, Lingala, Nyaja, Shona, and some French. She has just released her latest 12-track 2015 album – “DIVA”.
Zaena, who has received in excess of 1 million views on Youtube for her hit song “Ur Love”, released her debut Pop-Afro Pop album “Break the Surface” in 2012 and followed that up, toward the end of 2014, with the 6-track Ep, “You Don’t Know”.
Fusing Afro roots and pop with electronic dance music, each track on “DIVA” reveals a new side of this multi-talented songstress. While taking the listener on an eclectic ride into her multicolored universe, Zaena’s warm voice lights the sky and shows exactly why the world is ready for her. The album slides down multiple genres and reaches far beyond the expected. Bursting with touching lyrics, strong vocals and heart-rending melodies, this is Zaena Morisho breaking out.
This album not only flows seamlessly from beginning to end, but there is not a dud to be found, which is generally not the case with any artist. “DIVA” starts out with the title track which will probably rank as one of Zaena’s catchiest tracks. That chorus will ring in your ears long after the song is over. Next comes “Time To Fly” which starts out like earlier Zaena material then weaves into a thumping hook and another chorus that you won’t be able to shake off. Why would you want to?
“Come Get It” shoots out of the blocks out with an otherworldly grandiose tribal feel and has lyrics that you actually remember as they dance with a chorus that just won’t quit. Next comes the infectious reggaeton influenced “Baby Don’t Go” propelled by insistent percussion. “Am Loved” and “Tonight” has Zaena looking back at her life, love and friendship as it finds her making peace with the many incarnations that she’s gone through in finding the love she needs.
Included in the album is Zaena’s Youtube hit, “Ur Love” and “Bad Boy remix ft Bils”, as well as the afro-influenced tunes like “MI NA WE”, “Panda”, “Napesi Motema” and “For You” which all add an exotic flavor to the album. Zaena Morisho has now moved into a more sophisticated light without losing her footing on fun and dancing, keeping the grooves coming fast and hard. She also takes on the role of storyteller while letting you float in the smooth sounds of her songs.
“DIVA” lives up to everything I had hoped for from Zaena, and more. This is great dance music with some lyrics that have more than just the superficial meanings meant to fill clubs. Yet it doesn’t skimp on catchy hooks and great beats…all with a unique crossover sound that only Zaena Morisho can pull off!
OFFICIAL LINKS: Artist Website – Twitter – Facebook – Soundcloud – Instagram
