Our August 2019 selection for Music of the Month Hope Masike is a pioneering singer from Zimbabwe who plays the historically male-dominated mbira (thumb piano). On The Exorcism Of A Spinster, her debut solo international release, she speaks from the heart about the country that she loves and the changing roles of women in the culture. She follows the path taken in the last century by women like Chiwoniso Maraire and Stella Chiweshe, who both defied tradition by taking on the mbira and the ritual music it represented. She also owes a debt to Thomas Mapfumo, who pioneered the instruments use in contemporary music and social action. The Exorcism Of A Spinster is a 21st century expression of the ideals of her mentors and predecessors, dealing with contemporary themes and incorporating modern sounds.
Listen to some exceprts from the album: "Gomba" "Kune Mumwe" "Ndoitasei" "The Exorcism Of A Spinster" "Yenzera"
These recordings were donated by Riverboat Records, so your subscription or one time purchase all goes to support the magazine and radio programs. We thank them for their generous support.
|
