Oliver Mtukudzi & Black Spirits July 29, 2008

Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Oliver Mtukudzi performs in the unique style of tuku, which combines African beats with lyrical stories sung in his native tongue of Shona. 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.