Ndega Zvangu

Oliver Mutukudzi

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 19, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 12, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shava Musik
• ASIN: B00000DDAH
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #306,646 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > Africa > Zimbabwe

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The soul does drip on this unique CD from Zimbabwe's Oliver Mutukudzi. With more than 30 Gold records, Tuku, as he is affectionately known, is one of the finest, most uplifting musicians from Southern Africa. This latest release is unique because Mutukudzi has lost three band members to AIDS, and the songs on the album were originally written for his band to perform. Rather than record with a new band, Mutukudzi chose to do it on his own. The result is Ndega Zvangu (All Alone). It's a stripped down CD, no big band, no characteristic dance tunes, mostly Mutukudzi's gruff voice with his acoustic guitar, performing plaintive trance-inducing melodies. The songs are often about social issues, respecting elders, marriage, and Black identity. In "Andinzwi," sung not in Shona but English, Oliver Mutukudzi tries to understand the nature of a hero. The song is dedicated to the late Safirio Madzikatire, one of Zimbabwe's great comedians. Mutukudzi asks, "What is a hero? Do you have to die to be a hero? Here?" --Bob Boilen

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mutukudzi unplugged...., August 10, 2000

By	Miguel (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This is glorious heartfelt, soulful singing and playing. Mutukudzi navigates seamlessly from one song to the next. By the time you have finished listening, you have the impression of having heard one long sweet meditation on loss and redemption; while each individual song reflects the depth of his warmth and humanity. If you are looking for a timeless acoustic performance, GET THIS ALBUM!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes!, October 24, 2001

By	Menzies Alisdair (Geneva Switzerland) - See all my reviews

This CD just blows me away each time I hear it. Definitely one of the best CDs in my collection. This man reaches out to the very core of your soul...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of top five in 300 CDs, March 17, 2005

By	Larry L. Kistler "llkistler" (Belmont, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Simple acoustic guitar, lyrics written from the passion of the soul working through the agony of loved people passing, sung by a man who's been through the suffering of Apartheid and the fire of protest. This is one of the top five of my 300 CDs and every week it gives me peace and strength. Tuku's voice is husky and rich and his guitar style simple and beautiful. Buy this CD...support music that supports freedom from tyranny.