Customer Reviews

Tuku Music

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Picked it up randomly at Borders and haven't stopped listened since. Nothing like it. Almost every song will have you hitting the repeat button on the CD player. Take a chance on it.

I have been listening to African music--afro-pop--for a number of years and often randomly pick out CD's for a listen. So, when I saw Oliver's "Tuku Music," I thought I'd give it a listen. That was over a year ago and, to this day, I still constantly listen to this album! (I am listening to it as I write...) It's an incredible piece of music. The album's songs are simply enthralling: well-played, subtle, enchanting, beautiful, with tasty rhythmic nuances and Oliver's smooth voice accompanied by great backup singers. Words cannot do this album justice--it's incredible. If you are at all interested in this genre of music, you MUST get this album--you will not regret your choice! I just can't wait until I see Oliver later this year in NJ!

I got this CD through the African music show on my local public radio station and couldn't turn it off for days. Wonderful melodies and music, the vocals are hypnotic, heartbreaking, fascinating. The little bit of english background on the jacket tells you that Mtukudzi is exploring Zimbabwe's great challenges and it's great pain; AIDS, cultural issues., etc., and you can feel that in the music, but every song is still a joy to listen to rhythmically, musically. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

I lived in Zimbabwe for 3 years 1997-2000 and was given this CD by a friend there. It is wonderful, lush, rythmic music. Listen to Mabasa. This track was played as a tribute on ZBC-Radio when Vice President Joshua Nkomo died in 1999. This is Shona music and Nkomo was Ndeble. (The government is Shona dominated) Rival tribes and throughout history bitter enemies. I was blown away. The song is both joyful and melancholy and melodious.Although this is a favorite song, all the tracks on TUKU are very good with excellent backing vocals and musicians.

I strongly recommend a purchase by anyone because it isn't the pre-programmed stuff played on top 40 and other formats in this country. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed.This man, this music is a gift.

The beautiful sounds, the fluid upbeats ... this CD is sure to keep you moving -- whether dancing or relaxing (although I'm not sure how you could keep still!). This was the CD of choice in Zimbabwe and it's sure to be the same in the United States.

At first, I thought that the songs on this record were pleasant, but overlong and repetitive. But I love a recording which proves me wrong upon further listening! Technically, I cannot even say what has caused me to have grown to love these songs so much. They are simply hypnotic, beautiful and exciting. Tuku is a great modern artist.

I've been delving into African music for the past few years, and Mtukudzi is one of the best African artists I've ever come across. Exquisite musicianship and songwriting. Upbeat, energetic music that makes me want to dance!

Enough "good words" have alreadybeen posted re this cat!
Yet...
Here is my attempt to get you to part with the requisite cash to get your OWN copy of this disk.

Paul Simon must have been HEAVILY influenced by Oliver Mtukudzi sometime in the early 90s (is that possible?)
because when I listen to this CD- I so expect Paul to step up to the mic at any moment and maybe launch a hip-hop version of "One Trick Pony" or "Me & Julio" or something newer. This music has the polyrhythmic texturing that can only come from southern Africa... and that distinctly "tropical" sound that comes from a sun-bleached landscape under a forever blue sky. Get a copy of your own - you will NOT regret one dime of the cost!

Oliver Mtukudzi is the alter-ego of Thomas Mapfumo. Like much of Mapfumo's work, Mtukudzi's songs are moving, inspirational and highly enjoyable - although they go well beyond the "Chimurenga beat" pioneered by the old master, by borrowing from mbaqanga and rumba. (For anyone looking for a seminal exposure to the hypnotic mbira rythm, just listen to the title track Dzoka Uyamwe.) This is one of Tuku's most enjoyable albums. It doesn't matter if you don't understand a word of Shona...it will remain one of your most cherished albums nonetheless.

This is a must!! I am from Zimbabwe and have been following Tuku's career for many years so I am thrilled he is finally getting recognized internationally.