Sounds of Africa (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sounds of Africa

FOLLOWING their sensational sell-out show here two years ago, Stroud's Subscription Rooms welcomes back the deliciously hot African rhythms of Spirit Talk Mbira, fronted by Zimbabwe's own Chartwell Dutiro, this weekend.

Spirit Talk Mbira are an exciting, vibrant five-piece band who combine softly propulsive mbira polyrhythms with drums, bass, guitar and hypnotic vocals.

Irresistible from the word go, this is the music and song of Zimbabwe, her people and their struggles, upon which to ponder, wonder and above all dance.

Together on stage live, they captivate audiences everywhere they perform and create a sound that is infectious, raw, at times trance-inducing, but above all impossible to sit still to.

Chartwell Dutiro is a master mbira player from Zimbabwe.With interweaving rhythms and inspired singing, his music has won the hearts of audiences all around the world.

This is the music that calls the spirits to offer guidance in day to day life, the raw sound that has been calling ancestors for centuries.

Chartwell was mbira player, saxophonist and arranger with the legendary Zimbabwean band Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited for eight years, touring all over the world.

In May of 2001 Chartwell toured with WOMAD Heart of Africa Tour, with the Drummers Of Burundi .He has performed all over the world and has led music workshops in the UK and worldwide for all ages and musical abilities.

Spirit Talk Mbira play at the Subscription Rooms on Friday, February 18 at 8.30pm. Tickets, priced £10, are available from the box office.