Chirikure Chirikure & Chiwoniso Maraire - Chimanimani Album Review

This album represents a meeting of two giants in the creative space of Zimbabwe. Chirikure Chirikure a renowned award winning poet, writer and Chiwoniso Maraire a legendary artist who singlehandedly made Mbira desirable to may young women all over the nation. When such big names meet expectations are bound to be high. 

This album came as surprise to many given Chiwoniso Maraire passed away in 2013, this is not a project many even knew existed. The album was recorded in 2008 and has been tabled ever since and Chirikure Chirikure has finally decided the time is right for us to hear what they made nearly 20 years ago. 

Have taken my time to listen to the album and today will be sharing my views and thoughts on the project.

1. Kanyanisa

This track talks about harmony in marriage, Chirikure is depicting a marriage whereby the one partner wants to control everything, doesn't want to be challenged. The other partner is fed up with them and is saying do whatever you want, you can feed me poison all you want, I am giving you space to do what you want, but just remember that after you have done all you desire I shall react, retaliate and dish you the same garbage and poison you have been giving me, so be aware of that. 

2. Chimanimani (Stolen Light)

Chimanimani is a mountainous region in Zimbabwe with some spectacular hills and valleys, one of the most beautiful regions in Zimbabwe. The mountains are majestic, covered in a thick mist that appears like a crown. This track takes that visual and description in depicting how societies despite looking perfect from a distance its never as rosy as it appears once you get close. There are rocks on that mountain that never get to see the sunshine because of the mist, they never get to know their shadow. A family, community, nation may seem majestic to those who see from afar, but a closer look shows there are those who are always in the shadow of the crown that many admire from afar. Those who are denied their rights and opportunities to make impact. How then can one help them, should we ask the Creator to take away the crown that makes the society admirable, should one just sit aside and watch the others continue to deprived. 

3. Tinobhomba

This track talks about accepting differences amicably. It speaks against those who use their position and power to silence all those who think differently or oppose them. As a country there is need for leaders mostly to accept those with a different view, it's how we grow. Such opposing views create accountability which is important for any development. 

4. Bread and Roses

This track is dedicated to all those who have to forgo their pride to do what is necessary for survival. In a country where governing structures do not work, a nation that is drowning in corruption the ordinary person is left to fend for themself, one has to bare the constant struggle and humiliation just to survive. Once the breadbasket of Africa Zimbabwe is now a nation of vendors. 

5. Mutserendede Sliding (The Sliding Game)

Chirikure expertly addresses how a fast life can be exhilarating but also leaves you with many scars mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He likens life to a slide, it happens so fast and you get a rush but it ends as quick as it starts and as with the old school rock slides, you end up with tattered pants from sliding on the rock. Life choices have consequences that is something everyone must always know.

So ya that's it for this surprise offering from two giants in the arts sector. Its a projects that provokes and stirs conversation. Its clean and raw, its meant for those who enjoy the multifaceted aspect of art. 

Chiwoniso serenades us with lovely mbira work on the project, just her Mbira and hosho were enough for this project. The Mbira creates the ambiance and mood where her soothing vocals and Chirikure Chirikure's confident vocals take the center stage, the focus is on the message. 

This is a project where you feel the two were brought together by their desires to address certain issues. Its socially and politically charged, it asks the questions many fear asking. All of the issues are well packaged in clever wordplay, the poetry of Chirikure Chirikure shines. Chiwoniso had vocals that transport you to a different world, its hard to deny the spiritual aspect to her gift as you listen. The track Chimanimani perfectly showcases this balance between the two artists.  

To conclude was excited to listen to this album, I knew it was going to be different from the sound we usually hear and yes it is. This is a beautiful piece of work from the two talented artists, one such project where you just let play as you relax and get lost into thought. Have always been saying the Mbira instrument is special and its projects such as these that highlight how magical it is. One mbira carried the whole project. This is not a project for everyone, such projects rarely are and that is what makes them special. Perfect background music for that important meet up, it will definitely lead to some unexpected conversations.

My overall rating: 8/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the EP down below.

Proud_Zimbo