Chakwi – Forward Kwenda 2001

Description

‘Chakwi’ or ‘Machakwi’ is a marshy place. 2001 was a marshy, mucky time in history for both Zimbabwe (economic collapse, political violence, AIDS catastrophe) and the U.S. (recession, terrorism, hate). The healing qualities of mbira music have never been more important. As Forward puts it, ‘If everyone in the world played mbira, there would always be peace.’ On this recording, Forward Kwenda plays solo nyamaropa tuning mbira in a very, very high pitch, contrasting with his deep pitched soulful vocals for a uniquely beautiful texture. One highlight is Kambiriviri, which sounds like Tadzungaira met Taireva. It puts your ears inside Forward’s deze (calabash mbira resonator). [Total time: 77:25]