Suthukazi Arosi
uBuntu
Sheer Sound, 2001
A new name in South African pop is giving that country's musical exports a run for their money. With a contemporary, jazz-informed roots sound, Suthukazi Arosi finds the beating heart of Zulu traditional pop translates it into modern idioms. Arosi's kicking opener, "Wemntomnyama Vuka Emaqandeni," is an appeal to global black consciousness lush and powerful enough to rival the best work of Busi Mhlonga, the reigning master of the sort of roots pop transformation Arosi is after on this release. Rich backing vocals support Arosi's blustery lead, and organ, guitar, and muscular bass and drums pound out a spare rendition of the Zulu traditional beat. Elsewhere, Arosi is more contemplative. "Somandla," a healing prayer with overtones of South Africa's soothing jazz tradition plays more like an update on classic Miriam Makeba, and a number of tunes--"Abf'azi Balelali" and "Ulele Ulele"--find her singing in the breathy tones of a romantic R&B diva.
Arosi has an amazingly versatile voice. She works in clicks, pops, coos and growls amid soft whispers and anguished gut cries. The jazz overtones often work well, especially when in minor or modal modes, as on "Vumani," a song for diviners, and "Ulele Ulele," a meditation on substance abuse. The latter features a tasty jazz piano trio backing Arosi and a soft chorus of backing singers. There are moments of other afropop genres here as well, a kind of South African take on highlife at the end of "Umziwasha," and a rich 12/8 groove on the CD's final track, "Uyakhala."
Arosi's engaged, probing lyrics and complex vocal style mark her as an important artist. Her first international release is a bold and gutsy work.
Contributed by: Banning Eyre for www.afropop.org
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