African Homeland: Voices and Rhythms from Zimbabwe and Southern Africa

by Iyasa

Overview

Adding to their formidable store of music from Southern Africa, ARC enlisted the Zimbabwean youth ensemble Iyasa for a set of music alternating between Ndebele and Shona folk songs. The presentation style is undoubtedly related to the hyper-successful gospel choruses and isicathamiya of groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, though the vocal focus is primarily on the female voice instead. This makes for somewhat higher-pitched music, of course, but also results in a somewhat younger sound without the deeper, more sonorous voices up front. The set is well performed, but there are a number of more interesting albums of South African vocal music out there, as well as Zimbabwean chimurenga music, even on the discount ARC label. Look for the masters or for other compilations, and pick this one up if you're already a fan of the format. ~ Adam Greenberg

Product Details

Release Date:	03/23/2010
Label:	Arc Music
UPC:	0743037227124
Rank:	220881

Tracks

1. Sqomana Sodwa [We Love One Another]
2. Siyalibingelela [We Greet You]
3. Amazulu [The Zulus]
4. Ikhona Intombi [There Is a Girl]
5. Ihondo [War]
6. Iyasa Iyatsamaya [IYASA Rocks]
7. Makuwerere [It's Chaos]
8. Ijongosi [The Maiden]
9. Thalenta Lami [My Talent]
10. Izwe Lethu [Our Country]
11. Helele Mama [Oh Mama]
12. Izenzo Zomhlaba [Evil Deeds of the World]
13. Madodana [My Son]
14. Umakoti [The Bride]
15. Iqhude [The Cockerel]
16. Chimurenga [The Revolution]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Iyasa   Primary Artist
Nkululeko Innocent Dube   Vocals
Nomathamsanqa Treatie Mkwananzi   Vocals
Sibonisiwe Sithole   Vocals,Percussion
Silethemba Magonya   Vocals,Choir/Chorus
Siphephiso Magonya   Vocals,Percussion
Soniea Mbaya   Vocals,Percussion
Thembinkosi Dube   Drums,Vocals
Bekithemba Phiri   Drums,Vocals
Future Sibanda   Drums,Vocals
Loveness Ngulube   Vocals,Percussion

Technical Credits

Jeannine Blanpain   Translation
Nkululeko Innocent Dube   Arranger,Composer,Lyricist,Liner Notes,Text
Alex Croft   Cover Design
Iyasa   Photo Courtesy
Traditional   Composer
Diz Heller   Mastering
Ute Entwistle   Translation,Typesetting