Zimbabwean
songstress Chiwoniso Maraire has released her much awaited new album. Titled 'Rebel
Woman', the CD is set to re-establish Chiwoniso on the global music stage
following her debut album 'Ancient Voices'. The new 12-track album features
songs of inspiration, hope and resistance sung mostly in Shona. Voice of America
English to Africa reporter Derek Moyo says the CD “Rebel Woman,” produced by
Chiwoniso and long time friend Keith Farquarson, took 3 years to create.
It features several seasoned musicians including Adam Chisvo, Sam Mataure, Louis Mhlanga and Steve Dyer. The album was recorded in Zimbabwe, South Africa, England and the US.
One of the new songs on the CD
is the melodic Kurima, written by Maraire and poet Chirikure Chirikure. The track tackles land reform in Zimbabwe.
Chiwoniso sings about how the soil should be used to uplift people's lives.
However, she warns limited focus on the land has led people to overlook other
possibilities for development.
The CD also features several
inspirational songs, like "Wakashinga." Chiwoniso sings about
jealousy, and how some people may want to destroy others when they're doing
well. She urges people to be true to their beliefs.
Chiwoniso also performs
several traditional songs; one includes a new rendition of her late father's
song “Irobukairo.” This track features Chiwoniso urging people to be on the
look out for negative energy that may disturb their homes. She also warns
against "negative spirits" that may cause strife between husbands and
wives, when they should appreciate the good things they have together.
Another song, “Nguva
Yekuvara,” is already enjoying major airplay across the world, following its
inclusion on the Putumayo World Music's African Compilation album called
African Party.
Rebel Woman has been released
worldwide by Chiwoniso's US record company, Cumbancha. For more information you can log onto
Chiwoniso's website www.chiwoniso.com.
