Tuku opened with a gentle instrumental, segueing into vocals spiced with lovely harmonies. Unlike most bands, The Black Spirits backing him need no warm-up period: they're tight and crisp from the first notes, and by the second song are polished and precise; a refreshing and professional change from bands which take several songs to become warmed up and professional.

 Tuku's soft, semi-acoustic guitar sound supports the warm vocals which flow seamlessly from song to song, while the addition of supporting female vocalists adds a gentle uplift to his music.

 Tuku and his group come from Zimbabwe: their second song reflects the spirit and soul of the Zimbabwean classical sound, with a more danceable and exuberant feel. Here's the energy and Zimbabwean dance music Tuku's most noted for.

 "Music is always everywhere, where I am from," Tuku tells his audience in an interlude relating his experiences with music and its importance in self-expression. It's after this explanation that the rollicking beats really set in.

 'Help Me Lord, I'm Feeling Low', one of his classic songs, sounds like it could have been a dirge - but it's not. Musician Bonnie Raitt makes a surprise guest appearance and proves she can really belt out the song; her red hair and light skin in startling contrast to the all-black band - but her brief appearance on the song is frosting on the Tuku set, which moves on to profile his powerful vocals and fine backup singers.

 Even a song explaining AIDS in Zimbabwe is lively and thought-provoking but somehow not depressing: "Whatever you have in your hand, let it go - but if it's in your blood, you die from it."

 Most moving of all is Tuku's 'Shanda', his song of parents' expectations for their children, and the subject of his recent hard-hitting video. By  this time, as much of the club as could dance in the aisles were on their feet.

 When all four vocalists - Tuku, both women, and his lead vocalist - harmonize complete with reverb, the effect is haunting.

 And Tuku's concert is just that - haunting and unforgettable. If he comes to your town, don't miss him.