Gemini Major is a Malawian music producer based in South Africa who’s gone from producing some of South Africa’s biggest Hip-Hop songs and winning Hip-Hop Awards to dropping a 7-track EP made up of Afro-pop sounds. Calling his project one full of vibes in an interview during his media run in Ghana, you cannot help but agree with him once you get into the EP on your first listen.
The EP starts with “Island Water” which features South African artiste, Manu Worldstar. It’s a song that immediately transports you to a place of instant relaxation and calmness — think nature, drinks and parties on the beach. Like almost every song on earth that is less than 2 minutes long, this intro title track leaves you wanting more. Everything about the production is pure gold, starting off with melodious strings till it builds up into a whole… vibe!
In the next song, “Easy”, Gemini Major features the singer, NS3 and together, they embody the title of the song, resulting in a chill number with R&B tones. “Ooh Lala” released as a single before the EP drop, features Nigeria’s dynamic singer, Ayra Starr. The song is a smooth love track and Ayra Starr makes the perfect feature as they both croon to their lover to “whisper the words one more time”.
As the project progresses, you notice the songs get more and more slightly upbeat without necessarily disrupting the ‘vibe’. There’s “Mokoo” which gets you bumping your head the minute it starts and “Slow Down Rewind” which gives the impression that it’s going to be laid back until Gemini’s vocals drop and then…it’s a party.
Being an integral member of the South African music scene, it only makes sense that Gemini Major brings in elements of Amapiano/House Music to make the Afrobeats/Afropop project complete. He does this with “Stayelo” where he shines alone, encouraging you to “wind your waist”. The final song, “Ewelele” features Dunnie and Focalastic: the avengers assembled to set the tone for anyone looking to have an incoming good year.
The “Island Water” EP is a follow up to Gemini Major‘s album “Gem n Eye”. He is a record producer and singer-songwriter who has worked with several big names like American Rapper, T.I, Tanzania’s Diamond Platinumz, South Africa’s Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Sho Madjozi, the Major League DJz and more.
Written by Meg Sagoe
