Friday, February 24, 2012

CD Review: Tendai "Baba" Maraire's 'Wona Baba Maraire'

Tendai "Baba" Maraire
Wona Baba Maraire
Hearth Music

As the son of Dumisani Maraire, it is only natural Tendai "Baba" Maraire would follow in his father's footsteps. In this case, Tendai takes up the shona torch and presents the world with a fiery set of shona songs inspired by Tendai's homeland of Zimbabwe. The shona music contains lively vocals, the unmistakable mbira (thumb piano), and several familiar drums: conga, djembe, and djundjun. Karim Koumbassa provides additional drumming from Guinea. Overall, Tendai adds lush melodies and traditional riffs that catapult the soul into a place of supreme beauty. The imagination runs wild and the rhythms follow closely behind. Nearly fifty-minutes of music makes the album a pleasure to listen to. If you are a fan of South African music, Zimbabwe sounds, and shona music, then pick this one up today. You ears will thank you for it. ~ Matthew Forss

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