Mzbel's Swagger

Mz BellNo lover of music can afford to hate Mzbel. The petite songstress who kicks up considerable fuss whenever she releases a new album has so much presence on the local music scene that she cannot be ignored.

That is how come she is currently making waves on the wings of an unusual music genre — Pop. That is where her latest album which she calls Saucy Girl belongs.

Anyone who does not understand Mzbel may think that this album is another of her collection of “tease” music that deserves only little or no attention. Wrong.

In all her songs, Mzbel teases; but she does so with the aim of encouraging young women like her to flaunt their potential, especially as it relates to their sexuality. It is as though, she is saying “come and get me if you can”. Unfortunately she does not offer her goods so easily.

The first song on her album, Saucy Girl is a confirmation of the attention she directs to herself as a young woman who is conscious of the power she wields.

I’m a little saucy girl
And I’m shy
If you want some hohaha
Be my guest

What she means by “hohaha”, may be anybody’s guess but what is in no doubt is that, whoever wants it, has to work for it.

Mzbel’s message may not be that new if one is familiar with her earlier songs such as Awoso Me, 16 Years and Edey Bi. But the swagger she carries this time is different. Of the 10 songs on the Saucy Girl collection, seven of them are delivered in the style of rock, hip hop, or pop and she does not hide her fascination with pop divas such as Madonna and Donna Summer.

Mzbel’s video of Run Away, which is currently on TV confirms that Madonna is indeed a favourite of hers. The costume she wears in that clip, a black body-hugging leather blouse over a pair of fish net stocking, and the risque movements she goes through all suggest that her sights go beyond just Ghana.

Other songs on the album such as Sexy Thing and Baby Turn Me On are recognisably crunk. But it is not the bare crunk that many people may be used to. Mzbel’s crunk songs come through as a little more meaty than most and they boast of well-rehearsed and melodious back-up choruses.

She has also got a couple of R&Bs and a ballad, all of which highlight her songwriting skills and delivery savvy.

In other cultures, Mzbel would be referred to as a diva - a talented woman singer who is focused and determined to get what she wants. In Ghana where such recognition is difficult to come by, one can stick one’s neck out right now and say Mzbel is a diva willy-nilly. Share Your Thoughts on this article Name Email Location Comments Graphic Ghana may edit your comments and not all comments will be published