Zanzibara 9 – Mbaraka Mwinsheshe & Orchestra Super Volcano – Masika, A Fresh Breeze from Tanzania – 1972-74 (Buda Musique, 2015)
This population showcases one of the most popular dance bands from mainland Tanzania, Orchestra Super Volcano, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Mbaraka Mwinsheshe.
The band’s style is characterized by strong vocal work, Congolese-style creative guitar, laid back percussion, and a brass section that sometimes sounds very Cuban. This is no coincidence since many Tanzanian bands were influenced by Congolese rumba, which in turn was influenced by Cuban music.
Mbaraka Mwinsheshe and Super Volcano were very successful throughout East Africa, touring throughout Tanzania and Kenya, as well as concerts in Uganda, Zambia, Zaire (Lubumbashi), and Ethiopia.
The CD booklet includes English and French liner notes, with details about the Zanzibara series that focuses on Swahili music from Tanzania, biographical information and song lyrics translations to English and French.
Mbaraka Mwinsheshe died in a car accident in Mombasa in January 1979, during a tour in Kenya.
Zanzibara 9 contains a great collection of hip-shaking songs, illustrating one of the finest Tanzanian dance bands from the 1970s.
Buy Mbaraka Mwinsheshe & Orchestra Super Volcano – Masika, A Fresh Breeze from Tanzania – 1972-74
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
