Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba
Salon Africana, 2022
9/10
Listen to Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba
The Grammy nominated vocalist and songwriter Somi does justice to Miriam Makeba’s legendary music and important social justice messages here, as some of Makeba’s best work is interpreted with a large cast of players.
“Unhome” gets the album off to a very delicate start, where soft keys are met with Somi’s gorgeous pipes and Michael Olatuja’s precise bass playing, and “House Of The Rising Sun” follows with Keith Witty’s playful percussion and the bright brass adding much to the lively layers.
Deeper into the listen, “Pata Pata” welcomes strings and vocal effects into a very soothing, interesting climate, while “Kwedini” soars with Somi’s diverse delivery alongside Nate Smith’s skilled drumming and soulful backing vocals.
Further still, “Malaika” touches on very elegant jazz ideas with Herve Samb’s guitar prowess making a very cozy impression, and “Mabhongo” exits the listen with many voices highlighting the traditional in a dreamy, gospel flavored finish.
Makeba would have been 90 this year, and Somi pays tribute to the life’s work of an unapologetic African voice that paved the way for countless other African artists to follow on this stunning listen.
Travels well with: Catherine Russell- Send For Me; The Christiane Karam Quartet- Nar