The Spellbinding Sounds of Dizu Plaatjies

Dizu Plaatjies and Friends

Ubuntu – The Common String (Mountain Records Mou4554, 2015)

Ubuntu – The Common String is the new solo album by one of the greatest musicians from South Africa, multi-instrumentalist and composer Dizu Plaatjies. I was familiar with Plaatjies’s outstanding work in Amampondo, one of the most exciting groups to have come out of South Africa. However, Dizu Plaatjies has continued his musical development and has matured into one of the finest present acts out of Africa.

Although Dizu Plaatjies leads currently another band, Ibuyambo Ensemble, Ubuntu is his tribute to string instruments. Ubuntu incorporates various musical influences, ranging from fascinating South African roots music to Pan-African melodies and rhythms, blues, rock, jazz, and more. In addition to strings, percussion plays a leading role in Dizu Plaatjies’ music so if you are a percussion lover, you are in for a real treat.

As the title of the album indicates, Dizu Plaatjies invited numerous guests (including members of his current band) to participate in Ubuntu and this album is truly superb. You’ll find memorable songs (including a tribute to Nelson Mandela), striking vocal and instrumental performances, and down tempo hypnotic moments highlighting the various kalimbas and mbiras.

The impressive lineup includes: Dizu Plaatjies on uhadi (South African mouth bow), umrhubhe (South African mouth bow), lead vocals, percussion, Ugandan bow harp, mbira, talking drum, nyungwe (Mozambican kalimba), and flute; Nceba Gongxeka on Ugandan bow harp, lead vocals, bass marimba, nyungwe, percussion; Nicolas Gongxeka on Ugandan bow harp, backing vocals, tenor marimba, nyungwe, percussion; Nthombi Thongo on acoustic guitar, lead vocals; Kim Masala on soprano marimba, backing vocals, percussion; Derek Gripper on 10-string and 6-string acoustic guitars, Vocals; Allou April on electric guitars; Thabisa Dinga on lead and backing vocals; Didier Boyat on electric and acoustic guitars, ukulele, electric organ; Alexandra Boyat on lead vocals and vocal sample programming, metal balafon; Toto Masimini on percussion; Guillaume Grenard on trumpet, bass, flute; Helen Peronnet on violin and vocals; Sylvain Nallet on clarinets and flute; Gerald Chagnard on alto saxophone, mandolin, flute; Tibaut Martin on drums, cajón; Lucas van Merwijk on drum kit; and Alex Henke on drum and bass programming.

 

 

The CD booklet includes insightful details about Dizu Plaatjies and the album, along with beautiful color photos and credits.

 

 

 

Ubuntu is undoubtedly one of the best African albums we’ve heard here this year. Although Malians justifiably dominate the world music scene, Dizu Plaatjies is an equally remarkable artist who deserves as much attention.

Purchase the Ubuntu – The Common String CD

Purchase the Ubuntu – The Common String digital version