By Innocent Veremu
ExQ’s Chi Hatrick is a concise yet vibrant three-track EP that distills the essence of his two-decade career into a celebration of love, rhythm, and resilience. Produced by longtime collaborator DJ Tamuka, the project leans into Afrobeats-infused grooves while staying true to ExQ’s roots as a rapper-turned-melodic storyteller. Featuring guest appearances from Delroy Shewe and ALVIN tha NEW GUY, the EP thrives on infectious production, witty lyricism, and ExQ’s ability to reframe love’s complexities with both charm and candour. From the tender pleadings of “AWE” to the defiant bounce of “DIWAWO” and the nostalgic anthem “DEYA,” Chi Hatrick is a masterclass in brevity, packing emotional depth and danceable energy into just 9 minutes and 37 seconds.
Track-by-Track Brilliance
The EP opens with “AWE,” a silky smooth ode to romantic pursuit that immediately draws listeners into ExQ’s world. Layered over a minimalist yet lush beat, ExQ and Delroy Shewe trade verses that oscillate between vulnerability and confidence, their voices blending seamlessly. The track’s strength lies in its subtlety—lyrics like “AWE” (a Shona term of endearment) feel both intimate and universal, while the production’s understated synths and rhythmic percussion create a soundscape that’s effortlessly modern.
“DIWAWO” shifts the mood with its upbeat, percussive-driven production, masking a lyrical core of frustration. Here, ExQ critiques time-wasters and superficial connections, rapping, “Ndichida kudzwa zvako zvacho” (“I want to feel your truth”), over a melody that’s as catchy as it is pointed. The track’s genius lies in its ability to balance repetition without redundancy, thanks to DJ Tamuka’s dynamic arrangement and ExQ’s sharp delivery.
The EP’s crown jewel, “DEYA,” is a nostalgic triumph. Sampling the childhood game Amina and interpolating the war cry “I want to see your mother,” the track merges playfulness with urgency. ALVIN tha NEW GUY’s feature adds a contemporary edge, but ExQ steals the show with his rapid-fire flow and clever wordplay. The song’s chorus—“Deya, deya, deya!”—is an instant earworm, blending cultural nostalgia with modern Afrobeats energy.
The Football Metaphor: Quality Over Quantity
Named after the football term for scoring three goals in a match, Chi Hatrick is a deliberate exercise in precision. Each track feels meticulously crafted, with no moment wasted. While the EP’s runtime may leave fans longing for more, its brevity is a strategic nod to ExQ’s artistry—proving he can deliver impactful storytelling and infectious hooks without overstaying his welcome. In an era of bloated projects, Chi Hatrick is a breath of fresh air, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Collaborations and Production
DJ Tamuka’s production is the unsung hero of the EP, blending Zimbabwean rhythms with global Afrobeats trends. His beats are lush yet restrained, allowing ExQ’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage. The chemistry between ExQ and his collaborators is equally noteworthy: Delroy Shewe’s soulful crooning on “AWE” complements ExQ’s rasp, while ALVIN tha NEW GUY’s youthful energy on “DEYA” injects the track with a modern flair. These partnerships highlight ExQ’s ability to bridge generations, staying rooted in his past while embracing the future.
Legacy of Urban Grooves
Chi Hatrick also underscores ExQ’s enduring relevance in Zimbabwe’s music landscape. As one of the last stalwarts of the Urban Grooves era—a movement that redefined contemporary Zimbabwean music in the early 2000s—ExQ has consistently evolved while staying anchored to the sound that made him a household name. His ability to adapt to global trends without losing his authenticity is a rarity, and this EP is no exception. Following his 2023 album ENOCH, Chi Hatrick arrives as a welcome reminder of why ExQ remains a pivotal figure in Zimbabwean music: timeless, innovative, and irreplaceable.
For fans old and new, this project isn’t just a hat-trick of hits—it’s a celebration of an artist who continues to define an era. While the Urban Grooves movement may have faded, ExQ’s music remains a living testament to its legacy, blending nostalgia with innovation. Chi Hatrick isn’t just another release; it’s a statement that ExQ, now over 20 years into his career, still has plenty left to say—and the artistry to say it brilliantly.
Rating: 8.5/10
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