Rebel Woman

Zimbabwe's Chiwoniso performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit. Backed by the mesmerizing interlocking melodies of the mbira and the deep grooves of an all-star lineup featuring some of Zimbabwe and South Africa's top musicians, Chiwoniso's voice resounds with defiant strength and profound tenderness.

Chiwoniso has spent the last three years working with producer Keith Farquharson on 'Rebel Woman'. Recorded in Zimbabwe, South Africa, England and Vermont, the album features some of Southern Africa's most respected musicians and an intriguing collection of guests. Louis Mhlanga, provides the albums tasty guitar licks. Zimbabwean drummer Sam Mataure, a veteran of Oliver Mtukudzi's band, lays down his trademark rock solid rhythms, while saxophonist/flautist Steve Dyer guides a crack horn section. Meanwhile, members of Cumbancha's extended family, such as Idan Raichel Project percussionist Rony Irwyn, Belizean producer/guitarist Ivan Duran and keyboardist Charles Eller lent their services for cameo appearances.

'Rebel Woman', Chiwoniso's first internationally released album in over ten years, her soulful and deeply personal songs offer messages of hope, in¬spiration and resistance, serving notice that this gifted singer and songwriter merits recognition as one of Africa's greatest young talents.

Personnel:
Chiwoniso Maraire - (mbira, vocals, hosho), Louis Mhlanga - (guitars), Sam Mataure - (drums), Ian Hillman - (guitars, bass), Les Mommsen - (bass), Adam Chisvo - (ngoma, mbira), Adriano Pinto - (calabash), Roni Iwryn - (percussion), Sydney Mavundla - (trumpet), Bez Roberts - (trombone), Steve Dyer - (saxophone), Ivan Duran - (guitar - 7), Charles Eller - (keyboards) and others