In a growing Zimbabwean hiphop scene filled with rising voices, Tha Bees continues to carve out his own lane raw, reflective, and rooted in lived experience. His latest project, Unmasked, extends that trajectory, offering a blend of trap energy, spiritual undertones, and personal introspection that speaks directly to where the artist is in his journey.
Unmasked leans heavily on modern trap production, giving the project a polished yet gritty backbone. The atmospheric beats and tight drum patterns set a serious tone, allowing Tha Bees’ themes to sit front and centre. Let’s get into my own thoughts on this masterpiece.
The EP opens with a title track Unmasked; Fela Kuti. I got the chance to listen to the EP before it’s release and I could not go past this song. The song takes you on a sonic journey with the hard hitting 808s that are well laced hype adlibs that set you into the mood before you even get into the song. ‘He talks about he was receiving criticism for his mask gimmick. Mans tried to go to the army at one point. This song takes on a journey of his life and is relatable.
Tese tiri kungozamazama but Tha Bees seems to have found his calling as he equates himself to the legendary Fela Kuti.I can imagine this song moving crowds in any club if the DJs didn’t like to feed us Amapiano like that. I rate it 9/10.
The next song is Buda Muhood which is every ghetto yut dream. The theme in this song is how hard the hustle is for the average ghetto to leave the hood, to such an extent that they end up resorting to breaking the law. This song is a social commentarypiece that paints the picture of the struggles youths are facing to make ends meet and realise their dreams. Girls hustling by posting nudes online. Buda muHood is for those who want social commentary with their bangers.
Smoke sounds like a freestyle where Tha Bees was just proving to us what we know already, he can stay in the pocket and kill the beat whilst sounding like he is not trying at all. “kutiza kutenga doro kutaura zvekuSabata”, this line seems he is taking a jab at Voltz. The only bad thing about this song is it ends, I feel like its too short. Mad at the bro for that. He redeems himself on Jahman which is track 7 on the EP, where he continues to showcase how nice he can be with the raps and staying in the pocket.
Munodananireyi nevanhu vamunonyara navo? Guys ngatisashandiseyi mumarelationship umu. Kunyara Navo is basically Tha Bees asking that question and encouraging people to love their people loudly. Another social commentary masterpiece with a theme we all can relate to.
Ehe Nhai is the hustlers anthem, I don’t wanna sound like I am glazing but Tha Bees should have just dropped this EP as an official studio album. AOTY contender. This song takes on every ghetto yut journey mukungwavha umu. The hustler theme continues on the next song Dhiri.
Kanoverengeka is that tune you play on a Saturday morning uchigeza cooler box and planning to go out. The song is a reminiscence of the good times but the beat sets you up to make new memories.
Overally I can say the EP is one of the best projects I have listened to in a minute considering how disappointing 2025 was. Tha Bees is promising more fireworks this year and if this project is a glimpse of whats to come, buy the dip.
Listen to Unmasked the EP on the link below and remember to share with us your thoughts
By Calvin Chitsvuku. (a fan of good music)
