Distributors of this album would have to act quickly and flood the market before music pirates write it and distribute it throughout the Chinese shops in the country. The album immediately sounds like it has something for lovers, disco heads, wedding song lovers, and night prowlers alike. Ndifile Wena, a song he dedicated to the love of his life, could also be appreciated by lovebirds. Like most Brenda Fassie hits, this track can also be enjoyed as a wedding song.
Thorough observation reveals that Ludwe's debut project, a 10-track dance album, borrows to a large extent from the successes of the late Fassie's albums of 1999 to 2004.
Ludwe has modelled his choruses much around Fassie style such that if you are not careful you might assume you are being bombarded with a posthumous Fassie release.
If you still want to party like back in Fassie days, Ludwe's album surely takes you there. This is not to look down on the originality of Ludwe as an artist. Like he told readers in last week's interview, there is no escaping the influence of someone he idolised and lived with for nearly a decade.
The album cover for Ludwe's Hamba Nezindaba, says it all. He is wearing a leopard jacket that used to be the symbol of the late pop diva as if to announce that he is here to continue her legacy.
He poses with the leopard coat on the album cover, arms stretched, as if he wants to be associated with the history of this coat.
Track number two, Sengizwile, number nine, Umkize and track number seven Yin'ukuhlupheka and Ndikonile mama (six) depart from the Fassie style that runs through the rest of the tracks.
Splash and Machikos music lovers, because of their reggae-oriented disco beats, would better appreciate the latter two tracks.
They also give the otherwise high tempo album a calming effect with their relaxed tones.
Track nine, dedicated to his mother, Mkhize, has a vibrant nightclub and summer party style for any dance fanatics. Sengizwile blends South African disco of the 1980s with Zimbabwean beats, which are popular among youngsters here.
Sengizwile is sure to be popular among those who have enjoyed the music of the likes of Vee, and Wizards.
This track alone could go a long way in establishing Ludwe as a music force among Batswana.
The first track, Thumela, opens with a typical Fassie beat and singing style. He did well to open the CD with a powerful track like this, which instantly gets a music listener hooked.
At the same time anyone who listens to this opening number will always pause and ask whether this guy can sustain this Fassie style or he is just being a copycat?
Certainly pressure will be on Ludwe to equal the standard he has set for himself here, and only time will tell whether it was a fantastic idea or not, to model himself around a legend such as Brenda Fassie.
However, one thing is certain: this Ludwe album is one of those rare collections you would be tempted to press rewind and play.
