LP / CD / DL
14 September 2018
African music icon re-releases early singles.
You may not be familiar with the Mbira, an ancient mystical
music or an instrument made from a series of metal keys on a wooden board. You probably don’t know of Stella Chiweshe
either but that could well change with the release of eight remastered singles
from the 70s and 80s in the form of Kasahwa.
Born in Zimbabwe in 1946, she is still one of the few female
players of the mbira dzavadzimu which she learned to play in the late 60s when even
fewer women did so. A traditional
instrument of the Shona people for over a thousand years it is played by holding
in the hands whilst plucking the ‘tines’ with each thumb. The sound is one of a piano style maybe fused
with that of a xylophone or glockenspiel but with the inevitable pluck sound
and is completely enthralling, almost dreamlike in fact, one could even say
that it may be the beginnings of the ambient sound.
Believed to be a ‘telephone to the spirits’ it is indeed beautiful
and often mesmeric. With Stella’s sometimes
raw but earthy vocals it seems to bond perfectly and elevates each track to a
state of complete euphoria no doubt one of the reasons that she recorded two sessions
for John Peel.
Kasahwa is the first release for more than ten years. Skilfully remastered by Nick Robbins, the
tracks sound new and fresh and nothing like the forty years old that they
are. Fans of ambient and drone should
lap with album up with gusto as it transcends into an almost supernatural reverberation
of often beautiful sounds.
From as early as opener Ratidzo, the stall is set and you’re
transporting to a dreamlike state.
Scales and whistles and mesmerising melodies which seem to drift away to
the distance and immediately echo backwards.
It’s all in a similar vein, not repetitive as such but, a comforting
familiarity that has warmth and glow that you will rarely hear. Mayaya is one such track, a distinctive vocal
hook that resonates throughout and playing of the mbira that will have you drifting
away with your inner calm in no time at all.
A true gem and a collection worthy of at least a listen –
suggested alone whilst driving or with quality headphones. Kasahwa is fascinating.
