Burundian hip-hop heavyweight B Face – real name Girukishaka Boniface – lays down his hard-hitting rap persona for “Final Choice,” a deeply emotional love record dedicated completely to his wife.
The noteworthy thing about this record is the contrast from his typical output. B Face became popular for fiery anthems such as “Nosara,” “Wungutse iki,” and “Umufana” – songs that won audiences through adrenaline and lyrical strength. So to make the decision to release something so sensitive is a great faith in your creativity. Only artists who know themselves can change lanes like this and still be credible.
Final Choice” has themes of appreciation, trust, patience, and lifelong commitment. But the writing keeps out of the clichéd love song traps. So it feels more like a personal letter than a commercial release. It’s the precision of the emotion that sets it apart from tracks that talk about love in broad strokes. B Face sounds like you’re talking directly to one person, not for an audience.
The production has a similar intimacy. The arrangement is warm and melodic, a world away from the violent textures of his rap oeuvre. But it doesn’t sound like another artist. His voice and his passion translate cleanly, making “Final Choice” a depth to his collection, rather than a doubt about who he is.
This record will come as a real surprise to the hip-hop lovers in East Africa who follow B Face avidly. But it also feels like a justified outlet, the kind of thing that only makes sense after an artist has acquired enough reputation to take such a personal creative risk.
Watch “Final Choice” below and let B Face know if this side of him deserves more records like this.
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