Monoswezi - Monoswezi Yanga

The second release from Monoswezi builds on their impressive debut. With a sound built on the unlikely twin foundations of Zimbabwean mbira (thumb piano) and Scandinavian jazz. Fronted by vocalist and mbira player Hope Masike, the material is a mix of traditional and original, with one common thread – the kind of delicious languor that made bossa nova such a delight. This is every bit as easy on the ear; even at their most impassioned, the pace is never more than a fast trot, and Masike’s voice has a similar seductive allure to Astrud Gilberto. The music, of course, is very different. It’s a hybrid, its feet in Africa, its head in Northern Europe, but it works, lulling, offering a hand to draw in the listener.

The five-piece works well together, even if much of the recording was done while the players were at a distance. Hallvard Godal’s sax is a good foil for the voice, while some inventive percussion gives a soft bed for the sound. As multicultural fusions go, this is very powerful, each element complementing the other to create something new and very enjoyable.


01. Intro (2:34)
02. Povo M'povo (5:57)
03. Mbira Yanga (2:39)
04. Matatya (6:15)
05. Wadadisa (3:37)
06. Naku Xuva (6:07)
07. Lobola (5:43)
08. Dande (4:19)
09. Mhondoro (6:13)
10. Nhetembo (3:15)