A welcome addition to multicultural music collections and li
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 09/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tsimba Itsoka is a music CD by Zimbabwean Afro-pop icon. The album's title means "No foot, no footprint", a phrase that embodies the messages within all of the songs - is your metaphorical footprint a good one that should be followed to a lifetime of responsibility and well-being, or a bad one that will lead to decadence and misery? The lyrics are in Zimbabwean, yet express powerful universal themes, accompanied by soft guitar and steady rhythm. The translated titles of the songs are "Would you like it?", "Wild Animal", "One who talks too much", "Reply", "There's no in-between", "Gambling Card", "Wasting", "No power", "Fame is sticky", "One nut", "They are going to delay", and "Waiting and waiting". The song's themes reflect upon simple social issues, from the need to listen rather than just talk in order to foster true communication, to the harmful attitude young people have of depending on or hoping for inheritance from a dead parent rather than working to build their own lives and fortunes. The booklet that comes with Tsimba Itsoka explains the gist of each song's message for listeners who do not speak Zimbabwean. A welcome addition to multicultural music collections and library CD shelves."
Smooth Jazzy
Eric Dinkel | 10/10/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I got into Mtukudzi with Tuku Music- which is one of the best albums of all time. This album is good- but he seems to be going over to a little bit of smooth jazziness. Overall still good. But if this is your first Mtukudzi album- buy Tuku Music. Cheers"