Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
23 May 2009
Harare — THE void left behind by Chiwoniso Maraire, who has relocated to the US, appears to have been filled, following the birth of soulful mbira princess Hope Masike.
A former Zimbabwe College of Music student, Hope recently announced her arrival by unveiling her self-titled album - Hope - at a glittering ceremony in the capital.
The grand occasion attracted the who-is-who of the arts industry and Hope's musical journey got all their blessings. She also proved a point during the same night that she was finally weaned to be her own lady of song and mbira.
And her backing group, Kakuwe Band, also complemented their boss with a polished act that left many wondering why the music virtuoso had taken so long to launch here career.
Not only was the album launch party glitzy, the stuff on the album is of superior quality as well. What is more striking about the album is that Hope fuses entrancing mbiras with succulent jazz vibes to create a distinctive blend of music.
Hope's album opens with a prayerful song Nalimitemwa as she looks to the heavens to bless her musical journey. Chaitemura Chotemurazve is the follow-up track, telling a sad story of an individual who is taking very long to escape his squalor.
Hope slows thing down with a humour-laden acapella track Mbudzi NaJeremia. Gears shift higher in the next two folk songs Hondo and Kuendambire, originally penned by several gwenyambiras who started long before her.
Despite them being popular folk songs, Hope makes the simple appear sophisticated here by adding a soprano expertly done by Theresa Muteta. Again, Songwe Limbikanis plays marimba with passion while bassist Elisha Herema plays his instrument with absolute finesse.
In short, the tracks hook listener into liking the entire effort. The mbira princess passionately tackles the subject of love in the following trio of songs - Ndinewe, Dziva Rerudo and Nhendarunako.
Her versatility also comes out on two more English songs Land and Show. Mberi, Dzangu and Simadengo are three more songs on the album.
Like a sermon, she closes the album with prayerful song Nalimitemwa. Hope, who has since filled Chiwoniso Maraire's Tuesday night slot at the Book Café, has been delighting cosmopolitan crowds with her exquisite performances at the joint.
Recently, she wowed revelers during Hifa and affirmed her new role as s songwriter, instrumentalist and true social evangelist. The down-to-earth songbird is upbeat about the album would certainly catapult her and Kakuwe Band to dizzy summits, owing to the rave reviews she enjoys.
"Good art is when one manages to strike a fair balance between their own artistic needs and commercial considerations, because you want people to listen to the music.
"There is also the need to strike a balance between loyalty to one's culture and being in tune with the contemporary world. I hope this album has that perfect balance," she says.
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