Mtukudzi has obviously listened to the styles of neighboring South Africa and perhaps also of Zimbabwe's eastern neighbor Mozambique. Whatever his influences, Tuku (as he's affectionately known) has his own groove: a gentle but still driving pulse that gets people listening and dancing.

And if you're lucky enough to understand the lyrics, Oliver believes black Africans can do anything they set out to do: hence the name of his band The Black Spirits - but Mtukudzi is no militant or racist; he has friends and collaborators of all races in the music business.

He may occasionally scold or cry, but his message is almost always uplifting, drawing people together, not apart. Many white Africans attend his shows: you can't help but feel loved, listening to the truly special music of The Black Spirits.

Oliver has been recording for more than twenty-six years now, and no longer has a need for outside producers, no matter how sympathetic: with NHAVA, Oliver now produces his own recordings.

It would be most difficult to pick a favorite tune on NHAVA: I keep changing my mind.

Cut 7, 'Tiregerereiwo', continually captures the uniqueness of Mtukudzi's sound, but everything is so good, it's impossible not to enjoy the whole work. Very highly recommended indeed.