Nel Ngabo recently graced us with his latest album titled Life, Love, and Light. As an avid listener, I've immersed myself in this musical journey over the past week to provide you with a comprehensive review. With the guidance of Kina Music's Clement Ishimwe as the producer, this album boasts of five captivating features that add depth and variety to the overall sound. The album commences with the invigorating track Reka Nguteteshe, an Afro-beat banger that exudes confidence and unabashed love. Nel Ngabo fearlessly proclaims his devotion to his significant other, promising to shower her with affection and fulfill her every desire. Moving forward, we encounter the familiar tune of Arampagije, a track released earlier and already viral, amassing millions of streams across various platforms. Nel Ngabo expresses his adoration for his partner, emphasizing that her love is enough to sustain their relationship, with no need for infidelity. One of the standout songs is Woman, which has already gained popularity on TikTok. It is a personal favorite of mine, as it beautifully celebrates Rwandan women, their beauty, grace, and their ability to shine in traditional attire as well as in a bikini. This song showcases Nel Ngabo's creative prowess and serves as a testament to his artistic brilliance. In an unexpected collaboration, Nel Ngabo joins forces with vintage rapper P-Fla on the track Ba Basore. Together, they shed light on the relentless pursuit of success in the music industry and the challenges faced by artists. P-Fla's impactful rap verses perfectly complement Nel Ngabo's melodious delivery, creating a unique synergy that captivates listeners. As we progress through the album, we encounter the soulful and romantic tones of Ukiri Uwanjye, a slow-paced Zouk track. Nel Ngabo reflects on the regret of losing a love that once meant the world to him, delivering a heartfelt performance that tugs at the heartstrings. While this song deviates from the album's initial energetic flow, it showcases Nel Ngabo's versatility as a talented artiste. The collaboration with Sintex on the sixth track Blessed infuses Afro-beat vibes with a touch of slow tempo. Sintex's impressive contribution adds a layer of depth to the song as they both express gratitude for the blessings received since their introduction to the music scene. My Heart, the seventh track, showcases Nel Ngabo's powerful vocals against a piano backdrop. While the track was released prior to the album's launch and accompanied by a video, its slow and emotionally charged nature prevents it from becoming a dance club hit. Some may label it a simple song due to its lyrics expressing vulnerability and a plea to protect his heart from being played with. Nel Ngabo takes a French-influenced turn in the eighth track, Ivre, featuring Ruti Joel. This Zouk-infused masterpiece, accompanied by traditional cultural elements, has the potential to become a wedding anthem, thanks to its infectious beats and Ruti Joel's contribution. Reka Hashye, the ninth track, surprises listeners with its slow-paced piano melody, accompanied by finger snaps. Nel Ngabo's vocals, supported by unique vocal arrangements, demonstrate his creativity and versatility. The explicit nature of the song and its accompanying video, which has garnered over 260 thousand views on YouTube, warrant viewer discretion. The tenth track, Wine and Chill, perfectly lives up to its name. It sets the mood for a relaxed evening accompanied by a glass of wine, making it the ideal song for unwinding. The creative lyricism adds an extra layer of depth, with hidden meaning words sprinkled throughout the composition. The powerful backing vocals further enhance the overall experience, enveloping the listener in a soothing ambiance. Nel Ngabo's request to let him sip his wine and chill is met effortlessly through this track, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites you to indulge in a moment of relaxation. As we reach the eleventh track, titled Sina, we are greeted with a club-ready amapiano banger. Although the tempo is relatively slow, the backing vocals reminiscent of Asake's style add depth to the composition. However, it must be noted that Nel Ngabo's voice on this track doesn't convey the same energy as one would expect in a party anthem. Nevertheless, the well-crafted lyrics centered around drinking and having fun resonate with the overall theme. Moving on to the twelfth track Finally, we encounter an afro beat composition that bears striking similarities to Who is your guy by Nigerian artist Spyro, a trending global hit. While the recreation of a popular sound can be appreciated, it lacks the creative ingenuity expected from an artist of Nel Ngabo's caliber. The flow, beat, and back vocals all seem to echo the original track. Nevertheless, credit should be given to those involved in the recreation process. Closing the album on a high note is the thirteenth track, Narahindutse, featuring John B Singleton and Maranatha Family Choir. This gospel track uplifts the listener as praise and worship resound through the harmonious collaboration between the earthly singer and the divine choir. The seamless integration of their voices creates an immersive experience that leaves you feeling compelled to join in the celebration. Undoubtedly, this track serves as the perfect conclusion to the album. When comparing Life, Love, and Light to Nel Ngabo's previous projects, it falls short of the mark. While the album certainly showcases his growth as an artist and features some standout songs and surprising collaborations, it fails to capture the same essence that made his earlier works like RnB 360 or Ingabo so beloved by fans. The album leans heavily towards a slow and romantic vibe, lacking the upbeat energy that listeners crave for a dance-worthy experience. Nel Ngabo's Life, Love, and Light presents a mixed bag of musical offerings. The album exhibits moments of brilliance, with tracks like Reka Nguteteshe, Woman, and Ba Basore showcasing Nel Ngabo's creative prowess and ability to captivate listeners. However, there are instances where the album falters, such as the unoriginal recreation in the twelfth track. While it is evident that Nel Ngabo is evolving as an artiste, fans yearn for the infectious energy and memorable tunes that made him a household name. Life, Love, and Light is undoubtedly a good album, but it misses the mark in delivering the vibrant and upbeat vibe that Nel Ngabo's supporters have come to expect.
