Vhunze Moto

Amazon.com
On this album, his third released in the West by Putumayo, the gruff-voiced Zimbabwean singer-composer Oliver Mtukudzi and his band have lovingly fashioned another collection of hymnlike, honeyed harmonies and catchy percussive grooves. The ambiance is unaffected, wide open, and sunny with precious little obvious tweaking, as though the musicians were recorded at a live gig or captured playing for their own pleasure during a sound check. Mtukudzi's bell-like guitar leaps through the mix, rippling with iridescence like a silver fish in a noonday stream. His mature output continues to display a close kinship with other southern African traditions, especially mbaquanga, but the rhythms seem relaxed and stress-free when compared to the syncopated slap and sucking undertow that characterizes most Zulu-derived pop styles. However, the third track, "Ziva Nguva," cancels out previous impressions with an aggressive minor-key hook and relentless call-and-response vocals. --Christina Roden

Tracks:

Ndakuvara
Gondo
Ziva Nguva
Kusekana Kwanakamba
Wongororo
Magumo
Kucheneka
Moto Moto
Tapera

Amazon.com

On this album, his third released in the West by Putumayo, the gruff-voiced Zimbabwean singer-composer Oliver Mtukudzi and his band have lovingly fashioned another collection of hymnlike, honeyed harmonies and catchy percussive grooves. The ambiance is unaffected, wide open, and sunny with precious little obvious tweaking, as though the musicians were recorded at a live gig or captured playing for their own pleasure during a sound check. Mtukudzi's bell-like guitar leaps through the mix, rippling with iridescence like a silver fish in a noonday stream. His mature output continues to display a close kinship with other southern African traditions, especially mbaquanga, but the rhythms seem relaxed and stress-free when compared to the syncopated slap and sucking undertow that characterizes most Zulu-derived pop styles. However, the third track, "Ziva Nguva," cancels out previous impressions with an aggressive minor-key hook and relentless call-and-response vocals. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Mtukudzi goes for smoother sound.......2006-09-10

I've been a fan of Oliver Mtukudzi since his album "Tuku Music" came out 7 years ago.In "Vhunze Moto" he is still going strong.The songs on this album could count as adult contemporary,but at times they are like spirituals,gospel&the blues."Moto Moto" is powerful--and it fits,since the song is about fire.The third song "Ziva Nguva" has urgency-it is about time itself;it's also in a minor key,making it unique.The last song "Tapera" is a spiritual-like lament,and Mtukudzi has the strong dynamism of a preacher.One can imagine a congregation shouting "Amen,brother!" in a response.

Every song on this album is a hit.Oliver Mtukudzi has a voice that draws you in;if he weren't from Zimbabwe,you'd think he was a blues singer from the Mississippi.For those who enjoy African music,this album is a MUST!

This has become one of my favorite albums.......2004-12-05

This music is awesome. The songs are addictive. They are upbeat, happy, but soulfelt at the same time. The sound is very authentic- pure and natural. The singer/songwriter sounds like has has had a deep, rich life and came out on top.

Oliver's Best!.......2004-10-22

This collection of songs from Mr.Mtukudzi, the pre-eminent singer and musician from Zimbabwe, is solid gold. I don't own all of his CD's, but here, Mtukutdzi and his band combine to make a perfect combination of musical harmony. "Wongororo" is the perfect dance number to shake your thing to at a club or at home. Oliver has been doing this for 20+ years, and his craftsmanship is at it's peek here.

Vhunze Moto.......2003-12-21

I love Tuku and his music, I have loved every single one of his CDs. Each time he records new music I think this is it, nothing could possibly beat this... This CD is so inspirational and full of wisdom, it makes you stop and think. I keep playing it over and over again and I cannot get enough. I hope you enjoy it too. I can hardly wait for Oliver's new music. Way to go homeboy!!!!!

More Tuku excellence.......2003-05-08

I must admit it took me a while to get into this album, but after a year of listening, I like it better than ever. The songs this time out are more melancholic and moody, with a greater acoustic feel than his previous, no less brilliant outings, Tuku Music/Paivepo. Kucheneka is my favorite, with it's wild percussion and impassioned vocals. I wish you'd do more songs in this mold, Tuku. Nevertheless, it's all killer no filler here. Highly recommended.

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