REVIEW: Jemax – The Boogey Man
Central Province’s premier lyricist, Jemax’s meteoric rise has been one of the biggest success stories of the 2019’s. From being a nominee for best new artist at the Kwacha Music Awards the past few yeas, to countless hits and show-stopping features, it’s fair to say Jemudaeh is at the peak of his powers in the Zambian rap scene.
Although released only 8 years ago, it seems like a lifetime Jemax‘s breakout hit ‘Powerful’ was blaring over the past years; since then Jemudaeh has seemed to have perfected his craft bringing a new spin to the rap genre. It’s now 2024 and his sophomore project ‘The Boogey Man’ has just been released. The project opens with the ear-rattling high-octane production of ‘Intro’ with Max’s lyrics connecting like a right hook from himself and it features Vinchenzo. While Jemudaeh is not particularly known for vulnerability, he honestly and brutally describes the struggles he went through before achieving his dreams; solemnly rapping “why nshabutuke nga mulife ready for wall olo ndi bo nda shansha nshakabutuke ukutulukusha teti ndekeko Ine nalikwata ifyakuchulila notupunda tonse balishinkile napasanga apa kupulila teilya type mwinga foolinga alidabwa nalidulila God move self made apapa ati naikulila………”
‘I am’ is another gut-wrenching hip-pop track, opening with “Nshaponeshapo akamuntu rank bambonafye ngo tufi mu dank polepole mama got my back ”; the power in his voice trembles throughout the line. It’s a tale backed by a melancholic tempo sample of all the mistakes people made being unforgivable and inescapable in the streets. Unfortunately, that part hasn’t subdued since he’s made it out. “ I know u don’t love me boy I know u hate everyday and u celebrate ukapila mu nganda nga candle nangu koloboi ulanzeta low key but wishibe ati nshasha mirror …”’’ he raps and makes it clear the he will always win regardless how people hate him or don’t appreciate his music.
Nkonkoloka is another hit Zam-rock gut-wrenching hip-pop track, where Jemax takes us back on how he grew up and how he didn’t make it to go to college/ university, the amazing chorus was lead by Prince Kai as he says “Kudala nenzo funa kuti nikuleko, Manje vintu vavuta nizachita bwanji, Makolo benzo niuza life niyovuta, Manje lelo naona ati niyovuta. Mwana konkoloka, Mwana mwamuna konkoloka. Mwana konkoloka, Mwana mwamuna konkoloka,” , Meaning that Once we truly know that life is difficult, once we truly understand and accept it, then life is no longer so difficult. Not forgetting the big machine himself 76 Drums who adds flavor to the song’s verse two and there’s no doubt that the bars he is spitting are of the hardest bars you’ll lay your ears on as he talks about life growing up.
Mpaleni means ‘Bless Me’ in bemba a Bantu language spoken primarily in north-eastern Zambia, the song is a flowless R&B jam which had a hook by T Low and a second verse from legendary rapper Jay Rox. Therefore Jemax, T Low, & Jay Rox on Mpaleni they are praising God and shaming everyone who believed in them as they were coming up either family or friends.
‘One Day’ the lead single for the album is an upbeat, function ready banger completed with a dunka Zambian sound, which emphasizes that things may be hard but one day God will bless you regardless, One Day by Jemax features the most celebrated Zambian singer, songwriter and music producer. YO MAPS.
Mpawi is another Zam-Rock leading single from the album is an upbeat, function ready banger completed with a zamphone solo, something we thought wouldn’t never hear in a drill song as Kayz Adams leads the chorus and a verse from the Apa ili So CEO Jae Cash Jah Muller as he kills his rap scene not forgetting him confirming that his next single will feature Pompi. While Jemudaeh is not particularly known for vulnerability, he honestly and brutally describes the struggles he went through before achieving his dreams; solemnly rapping “Ndilalilapo ichiwaya owe, brother ubuchushe tebunobe”.
Even though they rap in local language, there’s no doubt that what they’re spitting is some of the hardest bars you’ll lay your ears on, Ba Mbuya Na Umuboyz is a selfless song which Chef 187 and Jemax say ‘the only person whose suppose to be paid, is their granny and the guy in the mirror,” ( apaba umuntu afwile alyamo nibambuya no mu boys mirror) meaning always paid them first. Those of you who are acquainted with personal finance probably know the saying “Pay yourself first” but pay your parents always.
As we begin to the party, Jemax switches things up as he hypes up the beats from hip-pop to bangers produced by King Nacci, and the Lyrical Baba Yaga tell us the real meaning of Tabesha “They don’t try.” the rapper’s party-ready bangers now begin to slow down, the theme of pain love continues on ‘Move On,’ as he gets help from the singer and producer, Jazz Boy running it.
The Boogey Man marks another significant turning point in the rapper’s career. ‘Can’t Mingle’ features fast-rising singer JC Kalinks who is about to make a big of himself in the music industry, Jemax raps “pali lelo umfwa shani ngandekulansha nga ndekweba pama level yafi yongo tu mpasha wandolesha, uletwishika nga nde ku matcher wabilimila life mona amapalo washa pesu your dream ngafilyabalanda nga waya kubombela umuntu washa italanta wankwankala comfortable wadyesa number na devil mumubepeshafye mulanda wisa ubushiku kwati chipuku.” The rapper talks about you pursue a goal you wish to achieve or fail to give up on something you want to do and never give up on your dreams.
Jemax is at his best when he’s using those tricks to switch between moods, as turns up the party on track number 11 ‘Pakati,’ but ‘Do you know this?’ or ‘Do you know what’ means ‘Naufishiba ifi‘ is track t hat features Apa iLi So signee Dizmo, Naufishiba ati Jemax has some of the most routine lyrics ever, but he delivers them as if they’re life-changing, and that’s what makes them work? but the rappers have too many questions; ‘Kwaisa call landlord naufishiba ifi? Landlord aisa na ma lock naufishiba ifi? Ba Dec bakukonka naufishiba ifi? Mwa chilalwa umuntu afwa naufishiba ifi? Nge chupo chobe Cha ma drama naufishiba ifi? Twamona madam obe Ali pa lodge naufishiba ifi?……
On Chibale ‘Nshaishiba ati wantemenwa money after ukwishiba nshimifwaya apa bane uliwachibeleshi Elo uli wabun’gani teti ubwele, abangakupokelela nibani ichitemwiko chachishinka nalelupela on top of that impiya shalikwati ninbasela but still watoba umutima Cause of impiya’ he raps, the rapper talks about girl who left him cause she thought he was not that perfect. The Song features Ponda. As we all know Jemax doesn’t leave any big female names in the rap game and he brings The Kopala Queen Xaven on ‘Aba Oyo‘ as they demand for respect and loyalty.
After featuring the most inflectional singer Yo Maps on the lead single for the album is an upbeat, function ready banger completed with a dunka Zambian sound track 5, he brings him back with the same vibes on track 15 with song titled ‘Rhoda,’ Jemudaeh and Maps promise their loved wives that they will die for them. It’s actually getting hot and cold at the same-time so get your Sweaters as the rapper flex on the Eazy’s amapaino beat on the song called Sweater.
Let’s all calm down as we start the party by appreciating God the almighty on the song The Boogey Man calls titled ‘FAVOR,’ this one has singing vocals from one of the best upcoming singer Flex Zm and the kopala finest Super Government ‘Y Celeb‘ himself. Jemax says he always move with Lesu (God) he quotes ‘God’s favor or grace as God giving us the ability to do something which is humanly impossible for us to do’
Jemax shows significant range without feeling like he’s pandering to trends. “Legacy” is almost impossible not to get up and dance to and feels like ‘ ufwile wapitapo palya apelela wiso,’ this song actually talks about us people to Never keep that intention. Instead look at your father’s life, learn all the values he kept, assimilate into your life and make your own and it features Boy Kay from Solwezi. Moving forward we are on track 19 hence it has Chile breezy, Jazzy boy, and Chimude apa, Ignore is an obvious hit, the guitar reappears, where it provides cushion for Chile breezy and Jazzy boy’s impressive falsetto to climax with ease.
But The Boogey Man also displays how good Jemax is at the business of making records, not just writing. There are a lot of really strong musical ideas on display, on ‘Ba Wiso’ the rapper says You are capable of doing it alone. Hope you find this song useful. Living your dream if you can, would be much better not only for you but for your parents, “Bena bafwayafye, Ukulekukontolola lyonse, Ukukusalila efyobatemwa fyonse, Ati Not this son you need that Blah blah blahblahblahblah, Ati for you to be rich you need school’ he raps.
Critics of Jemax and Afropop as a whole insist on pointing out a lack of lyrical depth. Jemax anticipates this criticism on “Amenshi,” which features rapper Bominal. Jemudaeh says grace and its time to say ‘Amen,’ ‘Aleluya e Amen blessings fall on me aleluya e Amen,’ Adoniscious sings as both Jemax and Blood Kid YVOK add verses to add flavor to the second last track.
Jemax does a lot of flexing in songs, but in the last track “ Baba Yaga ,” he takes a different approach. We get dope lyricism that opens up about his pain, goals, and past struggles– followed by his signature flow.
Lastly Jemax has figured out exactly how he wants to sound, but he hasn’t quite nailed what he wants to say. Maybe these are his growing pains. Regardless, The Boogey Man barely suffers for it and remains a stellar debut for an artist —– in his career. If anything, it shows that the best is yet to come.
ENJOY!
