By Innocent Veremu
Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Bling 4 has officially stepped into the spotlight with his debut album, Hosanna, released on April 12, 2025.
The 10-track project is a powerful showcase of his lyrical depth and artistic vision, featuring collaborations with notable names like Voltz JT, Freeman HKD, Runna Rulez, Saintfloew, and Tamy Moyo. Backed by a roster of talented producers—including Ghost the Magician, Jamal No Limits, Zero 53 Vince Goodbeats, Gangster Made It, Young Nash, NagBeatz, and Nyasha Timbe—the album delivers a mix of hard-hitting beats and melodic depth.
The launch event at Chitungwiza’s Aquatic Complex was a milestone moment, drawing a massive crowd and solidifying Bling 4’s place in Zimbabwe’s hip-hop scene. However, the celebration was not without drama, as fellow artist Hoy Ten faced backlash from fans, who booed and threw cans, ultimately forcing him to cut his performance short. Despite the commotion, Bling 4’s moment remained untarnished, marking his evolution from the viral success of Fire Emoji in 2022 to a full-fledged album artist.
Hosanna is deeply personal, weaving themes of faith, struggle, and redemption throughout its runtime. Tracks like Ndionesei and Vekunzinza reveal raw vulnerability, as Bling 4 bares his soul, admitting his flaws and seeking divine guidance. The standout track, Hope Dzandairota featuring Voltz JT, combines gratitude with sharp social commentary. Voltz JT’s verse stands out as a highlight, addressing universal struggles like financial instability, mental health, and resilience. His poetic delivery strikes a balance between personal reflection and relatable storytelling, elevating the track to one of the album’s most impactful moments.
The production on Hosanna is a highlight, with Ghost the Magician and Jamal No Limits delivering gritty, hard-hitting beats, while Nyasha Timbe and NagBeatz contribute melodic depth. However, the album is not without its flaws. Inconsistent mixing and mastering occasionally dull the emotional impact of the lyrics and the intricacies of the production. These technical shortcomings detract slightly from the overall experience, leaving room for improvement in future projects.
Clocking in at just 28 minutes, Hosanna is concise and impactful, ensuring every track serves a purpose. With eight of its ten songs already accompanied by music videos, the album has quickly become a fan favorite and is already in the conversation for album of the year. Its spiritual themes, compelling lyricism, and strong features make it a noteworthy addition to Zimbabwean hip-hop. While it may not be perfect, Bling4’s debut proves he is more than a hitmaker—he is a storyteller with a promising future.
With Hosanna, Bling4 doesn’t just enter the game; he demands attention. The question now is what comes next.
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