Customer Reviews

Urbanzulu

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

 

 

A cracking rhythm section provides a hypnotic backdrop to Busi Mhlongo's incredible voice. She sings with a powerful style of the stuff that matter in this life. I can recommend her other work, but this is the best and most accessible I've come across. If you like solidly sung african music, you will love this.

The basis of Mhlongo's music is mbaqanga, or maskanda, two closely related styles of guitar-based South African music with vocal chorus. There are many popular artists of this style; it was featured prominently in the acclaimed "Indestructible Beat of Soweto" samplers and on Paul Simon's 1986 "Graceland."

Busi, however, "kicks it up a notch" by the addition of some edgy percussion, deep-rumble basslines and of course her high-energy vocal delivery. The music is still recognizably South African, with complex rhythms and sophisticated melody lines (unlike the 4/4 chromaticism of almost all hip-hop), but it definitely has that "urban" feel.

Afropop is a worldwide phenomenon precisely because artists like Mhlongo are able to adapt it to include the most up-to-date elements from around the globe. The richness and depth of her music is nothing short of amazing.

As a long-time fan of African music, particularly southern African, I must rate this as possibly the best album to come out of South Africa in years.
Not a weak track to be heard, and the last two tracks just take it over the top.
Powerful, tight, and far more authentic than most of the insipid "indigenous" music coming out of South Africa at present. Her voice is fantastic.
If you like African or World music consider this a must have.

Busi Mhlongo's voice is AMAZING. definitely among the top 10 singers i've ever ever heard. anyone interested in beautiful eclectic music should have this CD. i've had it for a couple years now and still get chills when i hear her voice. she's one of the most under-rated south african singers today. the songs are catchy, beautiful, easy to dance to, and downright thought-provoking. you don't even have to understand the language she speaks to understand the passion of her art.

While I'm not always a fan of African music, which can be too repetitive for my taste, I'm knocked out by the rhythmic subtlety and emotional power of this CD. The music is simply beautiful, and the feelings that it projects transcend language barriers. Truly exceptional.