by Phil Chard

The “beef” between Cal_Vin & Jnr Brown seems to be officially over. Though it seemed to have kicked off with a great deal of gusto, the rivalry between the two Zimbabwean rappers dwindled into the ether as cooler heads prevailed and both of them focused on releasing music and leaving the debates and battles to take place in the court of public opinion.

Last week, at the Harare International Festival of Food & Music the two rappers officially announced to the fans in attendance that the beef was over when they appeared on stage together.

Now the announcement is made officially to the rest of us with the release of the Amen Remix that features both artists. Interestingly, Cal_Vin is given the first verse that he delivers with his typical energy and ever improving flow, coupled with his own refix of the song’s chorus in Ndebele. In another act that can be interpreted as an olive branch Cal_Vin’s side profile with a bowed head and hands clasped in prayer is featured on the song’s artwork.

The song itself is an impressive remix that features two new verses and reworked productions with subtle changes to the base line and drums. The biggest and most notable change is the addition of some incredibly gnarly electric guitar riffs courtesy of Sylent Nqo.

If Zimbabwean Hip Hop is to enjoy the boon it desperately needs in the near future it needs more of what this remix embodies.