Customer Reviews

Ancient Voices

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The hearing of the song "Mai" in a recopilation of African music leaded me to the search of this album, what was not available in my country. Finally, I got it and I'm absolutely happy with the purchase. The mix between traditional african music and modern pop instrumentations is so fascinating as Chiwoniso's voice. I haven't yet listened it too many times, but I have two preferred songs: first one (Mai) and last one (Everyone's Child). Both are some of the best songs I've ever heard.

...all of these abound in this recording by Chiwoniso Maraire, a young singer/songwriter of African heritage. She skillfully takes the traditions of her rootsland, Zimbabwe, and blends them with Western influences and her own deep, heartfelt sense of family, spirituality and love of the earth and its people into something that is new and ancient simultaneously.

This is African music, let there be no doubt about that -- the melodies, the rhythms, the harmonies, the instruments, all pulse with the heartbeat that is African music at its best. Some of the songs are sung in English, some in a mixture of English and native tongues -- but where other attempts at such a blending have come across as forced, false and unsuccessful, Chiwoniso's touch is a delicate, tasteful one. The meanings are clear, the poetry intact -- all of it in perfect complement to the spirit of the music.

This cd would be a great introduction to African music for someone who thinks they won't like it -- if they love music, they'll be hooked on this beautiful recording. It's that infectious. I can't wait to hear what she does next -- and I hope we don't have to wait too long to find out.

Ancient Voices is an album that transcends genres. Having lived in both Zimbabwe and Washington State, her style includes african rhytms and blends it with pop. Chiwoniso is full of life and her incredible voice immediately puts you at ease and inspires happiness. This album will appeal to world music lovers as well as pop audiences alike. Ancient Voices is a "must have" for every music collection.

Outstanding album!!! This album is extremely musical! I love how the Mbira enhances the feeling of each song! The lyrics are wonderful as well. I highly recommend this album!!