February 16, 2011 at 7:30 pm Chiwoniso Singer, songwriter, and mbira player
"When she unleashes her fabulous voice on a Shona melody today, she brings an assertiveness and style that no other female singer in Zimbabwe can match. One of the most compelling young voices in today's African music." – Banning Eyre, NPR At Crossroads Music, 801 S. 48th St (in Calvary Church) Tickets ($10-30) available online (www.crossroadsconcerts.org) and at the door until we sell out. Zimbabwe's Chiwoniso performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit. Backed by the mesmerizing interlocking melodies of the mbira, Chiwoniso's voice resounds with defiant strength and profound tenderness. With a sound that recalls the fire of Angelique Kidjo, the inspiration of Oliver Mtukudzi, the rebellion of Thomas Mapfumo and the soul of India.Aire, Chiwoniso is one of the most exciting talents in African music today. "I am like a mirror." she declares . "I basically sing about what I see happening in the world. If someone comes up to me in the street to ask for money I'll sing about that. If people are jumping borders because their economic situation is too difficult, I'll sing about that. If the police are beating people up and intimidating them, I'll sing about that." The daughter of musician and ethnomusicologist Dumisani Maraire, Chiwoniso grew up in both Washington State and Zimbabwe and learned to love Stevie Wonder, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and Mozart as well as the songs and instrumental music of her Shona family. Since releasing her first album in 1995, she has become known for her superb voice, confident interpretation, and uncompromising yet empathic lyrics, all backed by an all-star band and held together by the music of Zimbabwe's national instrument, the mbira. Sound samples, individual bios, and tickets are available at http://www.crossroadsconcerts.org
