While Oliver Mtukudzi--also know as Tuku--has always been revered in his home of Zimbabwe, he has been overshadowed in the American "world music" scene by revolutionary poet Thomas Mapfumo and the pop-party Bhundu Boys. Hi... more »s music is more romantic and bluesy than Mapfumo's, focusing on the grit of life rather than the broader cosmology. He's Ray Charles and Otis Redding to Mapfumo's Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. His voice is gruff but sweet; it implores rather than demands. The music that he creates to carry a song is often light as air, creating a beautiful tension between content and container. Mtukudzi's music has appeared on many compilations over the years, but this is the first full album of Tuku's music to be released in the U.S. It's a gem, with its shimmering guitars; its gentle, insistent bass lines; and a voice that will charm and challenge the listener. --Louis Gibson« less
While Oliver Mtukudzi--also know as Tuku--has always been revered in his home of Zimbabwe, he has been overshadowed in the American "world music" scene by revolutionary poet Thomas Mapfumo and the pop-party Bhundu Boys. His music is more romantic and bluesy than Mapfumo's, focusing on the grit of life rather than the broader cosmology. He's Ray Charles and Otis Redding to Mapfumo's Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. His voice is gruff but sweet; it implores rather than demands. The music that he creates to carry a song is often light as air, creating a beautiful tension between content and container. Mtukudzi's music has appeared on many compilations over the years, but this is the first full album of Tuku's music to be released in the U.S. It's a gem, with its shimmering guitars; its gentle, insistent bass lines; and a voice that will charm and challenge the listener. --Louis Gibson
Incredible African rythyms for the Marley/Simon/Cliff fan!
09/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Words cannot do justice...
Baculus | USA, MD | 02/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Lyrical, heartbreaking African sounds
Baculus | 07/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Buy, Listen, Enjoy !!!!
Douglas W Grimes | Greenville, NC USA | 01/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Absolutely hot!!!
ctownz@aol.com | Chicago, USA | 09/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."