Oliver Mtukudzi July 31, 2008

One of Zimbabwe's leading songwriters, Mtukudzi's songs blend styles from across southern Africa and beyond without submerging local traits. Playing an acoustic set or leading his nine-member band, the Black Spirits, Mtukudzi makes his messages dance. His songs use the syncopated, hop-scotching modal patterns of traditional Zimbabwean music - along with soul-flavored urban South African styles like mbaquanga.