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CD Review
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Global Rhythm, CD Review >>
CD REVIEWS
Thandiswa is a huge star in South Africa, affiliated with the group Bongo Maffin for years and only now striking out solo. So, in a way, Zabalaza (the title means "rebellion") is a gesture equivalent, symbolically speaking, to Gwen Stefani's Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The crucial difference, of course, is that this album is, urn, good. Those expecting a feast of deep African jungle groove should bear Thandiswa's pop background in mind, though, because this disc has a lot in common with the earnest semi-spiritual acoustic guitar balladry of Lauryn Hill and Arie. The melodies are frequently gentle and lilting, but there are plenty of uptempo tracks, too. "Revelation" starts with an almost Steely Dan-esque piano-and-drums intro, before the organ and lead guitar (and the lung-busting vocals) take the song on a gospelized rocket ride. Thandiswa has talent to burn, and has clearly earned her place at the top of the South African scene.
Q&A WITH THANDISWA
You hired all new musicians for the recording of the album. How did that go?
I had never really worked with live musicians in the studio before, but I was lucky to have some of South Africa's best musicians agree to work with me and help me create what I wanted. It has been a great experience working with this band because I found a lot of hidden talent and was able to provide the opportunity to travel and play in professional setting to young people who may have never gotten that chance.
Who are your influences as songwriter and composer?
I cannot think of any real influences as a songwriter, but do have influences who serve different purposes, for example Miriam Makeba, whose career has shown me that music has to have a social relevance; she has also shown me that an artist can have longevity in an industry that many say is fickle. My other influences are Miss Letta Mbulu for her grace, the enchanting Busi Mhlongo for teaching me that an artist needs to surrender to her art and let it possess her. But I think that my life's greatest influences were my late mother and Mrs. Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, because they gave my sense of self as a daughter of the soil. I am influenced by the women of my continent.
-PHIL FREEMAN 05/01/06
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