Paivepo

Oliver Mtukudzi's previous album, Tuku Music, was the biggest-selling record in Zimbabwe's history and led to Mtukudzi writing a song with Bonnie Raitt. How do you top that? Simple, you do more of it and refine your sound. Unlike his countryman Thomas Mapfumo, Mtukudzi doesn't go for hypnotic mbira rhythms but for gorgeous melodies, letting his voice sing out on songs like "Ndine Mubvunzo" and "Kunze Kwadoka." "Pindurai Mambo" sees him reworking a piece he wrote in the '70s, and throughout the album his lyrics address injustice at home and throughout the world. His band keeps improving, with Philani Dube on lead guitar a truly tasteful standout. Mtukudzi has come into full maturity on this record with a style that draws from the spectrum of African music, from touches of soukous and benga to the native Shona rhythms that propel it all. Inspirational and enjoyable. --Chris Nickson