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CD Review
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Pulse!, CD Review >>
STELLA CHIWESHE Talking Mbira: Spirits of Liberation ( Piranha )
Many of Chiweshe's past albums have taken a more "world beat" approach, with various European and American musicians sitting in, but not this time. The music is pure Zimbabwe, which is not to say that it doesn't have its pop elements, but it's pop as played in Zimbabwe not London or New York. "Chachimurenga" is an energetic dance track with a techno/dub edge that celebrates the freedom fighters that ousted the British, and could be seen as a nostalgic piece in view of Zimbabwe's current political troubles. "Manja," another uptemo rave, has a killer balafon solo and a big, stomping beat that brings to mind the dance pulse of South Africa's Zulu Jive, but the most affecting moments are on the traditional sounding tunes. "Huvhimi," "Ndabaiwa" and "Tapera" are driven by the interlocking rhythm of several mbiras and beautiful vocal harmonies from Chiweshe and her band that rise and fall like the enormous breath of Mother Africa herself. By j. poet 09/01/02 >> go there
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