UPCOMING Zimbabwean reggae musician Itai Mawisire is currently rocking the airwaves with his new album, Its been A Long Time.

The six-track album touches on the current economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe, among other issues. For instance, the song Mhirizhonga talks about the impasse between the two major political parties, Zanu PF and MDC.

"The song talks about the conflict between family members but when I wrote the story I had Zanu PF and MDC in mind," Mawisire said. "The two parties are always fighting and I believe this is worsening the economic situation in this country."

The 36-year-old from Dzivarasekwa high-density suburb in Harare said delivering "good vibes and exposing reality was his speciality".

The album also comprises the hit song Vasikana Vemazuvaano, which has caused quite a stir among music lovers. It is considered controversial as it touches on topics deemed sensitive.

Mawisire said Vasikana Vemazuvaano was his favourite track on the album as it had taken him to another level. He said the way it has been received had made a big impact on his music career.

Other songs on the album are the title track It's Been A Long Time, which describes the difficulties the musician went through in trying to release his album.

There is also She Was In Love, Chiedza and Boss.

Mawisire said his music had been receiving good airplay and was looking forward to a bright future in the music industry.

Work on a video for It's Been A Long Time was almost through and it is expected to be out very soon.

Mawisire is not new on the music scene as he once sang with musicians like Somandla Ndebele, Farai Macheka and Changa Nyamatsatse, but has now decided to go solo.