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Zimbabwean music star performing free Chicago show

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Kenosha News, Zimbabwean music star performing free Chicago show >>

BY BOBBY TANZILO

The Chicago Cultural Center will host the undisputed queen of Zimbabwean Mbira music this week and what's more, the concert is free.

Stella Chiweshe appeard on the Mbira scene when she was just 18 years old.  Her 1974 debut 45, "Kasahwa," was a big hit and spawned a series of more than two dozen releases that solidified her reputation among African music fans across the globe.

Chiweshe began playing the Mbira, or thumb piano, in the 1960s despite the fact that it was a social taboo for women to do so.  Later, after the country's independence in 1980, she was invited to become a dancer and musician with the National Dance Company. 

Now, Chiweshe is internationally-acclaimed and something of a cultural ambassador.

Don't miss this chance to see a trailblazing musician ... for free!

Bobby Tanzilo is content editor for onmilwakee.com 01/31/03
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