Lisbon, Portugal-based rapper/songwriter Synik shares his latest full-length project A Travel Guide For The Broken, a 12-track body of work that shows the rapper’s growth as an artist who is fully hands-on with his music and art. The project sees him collaborating with more than a handful of musicians/instrumentalists and blends a wide array of musical styles and influences in a seamless manner. Synik merges hip-hop with live African instrumentation to achieve a warm, somewhat exotic, and unique feel throughout the project. The title is an ode to Synik’s personal travels, especially his immigration from Zimbabwe to Portugal in 2016. It explores the complexities, culture shock, and changes one might feel when physically moved from one’s home. Mainly in English, the songs in the album also include African languages such as Shona, Ndebele (Southern Africa), and Kimbundu (Angola). Staying true to his roots, Synik not only pays homage to his origins but also grants us an opportunity to listen to a fusion of eclectic sounds.
The project opens with “Prelude,” which helps usher in the guitar-laden “Rukuvhute” which serves as the perfect introduction to who Synik is. The record slowly builds up into a climax as the gripping hook by Vusa Mkhaya comes in and cements it. On “Other Side,” Synik takes us through the tribulations of an immigrant trying to find his footing in a foreign land and dealing with new obstacles while “Underground” dives into the toughness and resilience of dealing with life and whatever it throws at you. “Wega” sees the rapper sharing tales with folks back home who have a different perspective of who he is but he doubts if they will ever get the true picture. On the title track, which blends smooth soul/jazz elements and spoken word, Synik delivers an emotional and evocative performance that explores the journey of all immigrants finding their path outside their native land. There is more to unpack and on “Still Here,” featuring singer Debbie With a T. Synik shows tenacity throughout his daily struggles and reminds listeners that tough times won’t last with a positive mindset and a hardworking spirit to match. This is followed by the lead single “Too Fly,” which is bolstered by an ethereal and sublime soundscape, delivering an uplifting and positive message for everyone who might be feeling otherwise.
Other solid tracks include the reflective “The Way Back Home,” ” Something More,” and the anthemic “Kutenda,” featuring the rousing melodic performance from singer Vivalda Ndula. From the album-opener “Rukuvhute” to the closing “Kutenda,” A Travel Guide For The Broken takes the listener on a sonic journey in which Synik’s lyrical abilities and vocal skills shine to the fullest.
Born Gerald Mugwenhi, Synik is a Zimbabwean emcee/rapper, currently based in Lisbon since leaving Zimbabwe in 2016. He has multiple releases behind him, including the ground-breaking debut album Syn City. Produced by Begotten Sun and created in collaboration with legendary artists from Zimbabwe’s hip hop scene such as Metaphysics, Tehn Diamond, and Jnr Brown, the album was lauded as one of the best hip hop projects to come out of Zimbabwe.
