Customer Reviews

Svikiro: Meditations From an Mbira Master

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album is utterly, utterly delightful. You'd perhaps need to have some love of polyrhythms to find it accessible, but if you do, it will probably enchant you. Lyrical, playful, gentle, poignant, spacious, this is magic music from the heart that is almost impossible to tire of, and in the true tradition of Shona music, it attracts and encourages / raises and heals the spirits.

Much appreciation to this Mbira man.

This is one of my favorite CD's. Forward Kwenda is the most amazing mbira player that I have ever heard. Being an mbira player myself I always am blown away with Kwenda's playing style, skill, and the passion with which he plays. I am lucky enough to have had the chance to hear him play live many a time and have also played with him. If anyone with a little mbira knowlege had the chance to see and hear what I have seen then they would agree with me that Forward is a true mbira master.

One reviewer has said that this CD isn't authentic. To that I would say, "Baloney!" Although Forward has the ability to play in a more "traditional" style his spirits lead him to play above and beyond what your average gwenyambira can. How many other players are asked to play solo at Bira ceremonies? (Two players is much more common.) Cosmos Magya, who was instrumental in the writing of Paul Berliner's book, The Soul of Mbira, and also plays on the CD by the same name, has a great respect for Kwenda's playing. Need I say more? I can, but feel that I don't have to. Buy this CD!

This CD features Forward Kwenda, an amazing mbira player. It is one of my favorite mbira CDs.

I've always loved Mbira music, and this CD is definitely worthwhile. You'll soon get swept up in the distinct sounds an mbira makes and will search for more.

Come on, this ain't authentic. Kwenda may use some African instruments, and a little little African inspiration, the rest is white commercial stuff, made for selling among whites. No music for me or an African searching back for his roots and true soul. This was wasted money. Boh.