News

What we're digging right now: Kheswa & Her Martians

Photo courtesy FlipSwitch
Photo courtesy FlipSwitch

Can you imagine not being able to listen to or play the kind of music you love? South Africa experienced such a plight before and during the Apartheid era, when a self-imposed boycott of jazz led to a diaspora of musicians from the segregated country. Now, Broadway star and gifted ensemble singer Nonhlanhla Kheswa is memorializing those trying times with a beautiful new release: Meadowlands, Stolen Jazz (Xippi Phonorecords). Named for Strike Vilakazi's rebellious 1955 composition, this live album glides, glistens and bops like few modern jazz collections do. Kheswa & Her Martians strut from throwback numbers (the breezy "Tshona") to rhythmic powerhouse performances ("Jikele Maweni"). The chanteuse's vocals are striking and heart-pounding as she summons the storytelling prowess she nurtured as a featured singer for The Lion King and as a member of Wyclef Jean's crew. Hers is a voice that can command the sun to rise and the moon to dance. Meadowlands, Stolen Jazz not only serves as an impressive (re)introduction to Kheswa's artistry, but it also is a testament to the rich history of the genre that South Africa has nurtured. Study up and prepare to be moved.

More from Melissa Bobbitt (See All)

Permalink to
Music
PhantEye's Best of 2012 Music Picks
  Melissa Bobbitt      0

The prophesied end times sure made for some great music in 2012. Bands we never thought would get back together finally put out new material (No Doubt, Soundgarden). The international community breathed a Psy...

Dec 3, 2012