The Shona term "sarawoga" means "to be left alone," but Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi has always made sure his fans are never left wanting. On the Zimbabwean's 61st album, he's forced to reflect on his solitude following the sudden death of his son in a 2010 automobile accident. But those who cannot understand Shona may overlook this sorrow, as the album's blend of layered guitars, sharp drums, upfront bass and locked-in grooves has a distinctively feel-good vibe. Sarawoga's brightest moments are when Tuku and his fellow Black Seed band members are able to flex their playing skills on up-tempo tracks like "Chiringa" and "Mutemo Wako." On "Deaf Ears," the album's only English language song, Tuku takes aim at parents unwilling to listen to the desires and aspirations of their children, something the musician has seen first-hand at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre he founded outside of Harare. While this album doesn't attempt to tread much new ground sonically, it serves as an example of an artist who has mastered his style, and can comfortable adapt it to both tragedy and triumph.
(Independent)