Sub-Saharan African vocal harmony CDs are like cats; it’s hard to find an ugly one. That does not mean that some are not better than others, though, and this one is. The rich sound for which ARC is noted is in possibly its best format with this sort of South African Mbube-style a cappella music.
Afrika Mamas is good and has a remarkable handle on combining traditional and even conversational elements with strong vocal rhythm. It is a product of the 21st Century, certainly, but harks back to the tradition of Solomon Linda and His Evening Birds, circa 1939.
The lineup includes band leader Ntombifuthi Lushaba on soprano vocals, Patricia Bhe Shandu on alto and lead vocals, Sibongile Nkosi on bass and lead vocals, Ntombizethu Joyise on soprano vocals, Sinegugu Khoza on soprano and lead vocals, Fikile Mhlongo on bass vocals, and Sister Zungu on bass vocals. Tshepo Bryce Maimela and Sipho Mbel played percussion on several tracks.
An outstanding, upbeat release from a subgenre full of strong competition.
Buy Afrika Mamas
Author: Arthur Shuey
Arthur has been reviewing music for publications since 1976 and began focusing almost exclusively on world music in 2012.
His musical background includes past presidencies of the Cape Fear Musicians Association and Blues Society of the Lower Cape Fear, founding membership in nine other blues societies, service on 17 music festival planning committees, two decades of teaching harmonica to individuals and groups, operating a small recording studio and performing solo and in combos for 30 years.
Arthur has written professionally since 1975, pieces ranging from short fiction to travel articles, humor to poetry, mainly for local and regional entertainment media. His blog,” Shuey’s World,” is featured at www.accesswilmington.com.
