Movies & DVDs

Movies from the Pan-African Film Festival 2012

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:12:06 +0100

LuckyDirector: Avie LuthraStarring: Sihle Dlamini, Jayashree Basavaraj, James Ngcobo and Vusi KuneneThe story is woven around a 10-year old boy who loses his mother to Aids. Lucky (Sihle Dlamini) makes a promise over his mother’s grave to make something of himself and leaves the security of his remote Zulu village for the big city of Durban. He arrives at the doorstep of an uncle (James Ngcobo) who is unloving and untrustworthy. After stealing the money meant for Lucky’s schooling, he kicks t...

DVD Review: Take Shelter

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:08:33 +0100

Take Shelter unfolds in the quiet Ohio countryside. Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) an all-around good guy is suddenly plagued by apocalyptic visions of a storm set to destroy everything he has, including his wife Samantha (Jessica Chastain) and six-year old deaf daughter, Hannah (Tova Stewart).As he questions whether the dreams and hallucinations are premonitions or if he is losing the plot, Curtis begins to investigate his family history of mental illness. He also distracts himself by equippi...

DVD Review: Restless

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:02:48 +0100

Enoch Brae (Henry Hopper) is an angry and depressed young man after the death of his parents and feeds his morbid fascination by gate-crashing people’s funerals. It’s at a funeral that he meets Annabel Cotton (Mia Wasikowska) - a beautiful terminally ill young woman. The two outsiders soon find an unexpected common ground in their unique experiences of the world. Eccentric misfits, Enoch’s best friend is the ghost of a Kamikaze fighter pilot who died in World War II. Annabel is wise and chi...

Movie Review: Shame

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:48:04 +0100

When Brandon’s routine becomes horribly disrupted by Sissy’s imposition on his Manhattan lifestyle, his insular life spirals out of control, and her dependency provokes Brandon to violent displays of temper. This intense character study boasts powerful performances by Fassbender and Mulligan. The actors manage to take viewers on a powerful plunge into the mania and self-destructive nature of sexual addiction. Shame is a raw portrait of damaged siblings and sex addiction. Sad,...

Movie Review: We need to talk about Kevin

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:41:46 +0100

The cracks in her marriage to husband Franklin (John C. Reilly) begin to show as Eva must now abandon her career and apartment she loves for a child she hates. As Kevin (the boy is played by Jasper Newell and the teenager by a creepy Ezra Miller) grows up, he becomes more difficult to handle and expresses a mysterious hatred for his mother. Things become even worse when his younger sister (Ashley Gerasimovich) arrives. The teenager then commits an unspeakable crime that leaves Eva ...

Movie Review: My week with Marilyn

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:26:14 +0100

While they were shooting the movie, Marilyn’s marriage to Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott) was on the rocks, and Olivier was becoming increasingly frustrated with her tardiness and sub-standard acting abilities. Cue Clark, who stepped into an emotionally volatile situation to become Marilyn’s closest confidant on set. They spent an intimate week together in the English countryside, and an unlikely friendship unfolded between the movie-mad assistant and one of the most famous women ...

DVD Review: The next three days

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:12:23 +0100

Feeling the justice system has failed her, Lara tries to commit suicide, and John becomes determined to save his wife. He becomes obsessed with the idea of breaking her out of jail and seeks the advice of ex-convict Damon Pennington (Liam Neeson), who staged his own daring prison break. John tirelessly researches and stakes out the routines of the prison as he prepares to put his life on the line for the woman he loves. Lara’s innocence is questioned throughout the ...

DVD Review: Sanctum 3D

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:09:54 +0100

A violent flash flood blocks the team’s only exit and gives them no choice but to bury themselves deeper into the cave in the hope of escaping through uncharted routes. Can they survive an underwater labyrinth of raging water, dangerous terrain and mounting panic? Exotic locations off the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia inspired some great cinematography, which includes 3D digital techniques. Although it is not always comfortable to watch, the breathless quest a...

DVD Review: Life in a day

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:59:49 +0100

The film is ultimately about human connection and affirms the simple joys and sorrows that we experience as human beings. A true mosaic of just one day reveals life at its rawest – thrilling, funny, sad, breathtaking and mundane all at the same time! The mishmash of highly personal, inane, and fascinating clips include, among many, a skydiver freefalling, a young man coming out to his family, a globetrotting Korean man travelling the world by bicycle, an elderly couple having thei...

Movie Review: Friends with benefits

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:40:40 +0100

Jamie is a headhunter who lures Dylan, an art director, to an interview for GQ magazine. She needs him to take the job to earn her bonus and so sweetens the deal by showing him around New York. The super-sexy young professionals both decide that an occasional quickie between friends is the perfect pick-me-up. Don’t allow your low expectations of the film to keep you away. In fact, you may be pleasantly surprised with a few good laughs. If romcom is your favourite genre, then Fr...

Movie Review: The First Grader

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:38:52 +0100

Local parents of the already overcrowded school don’t want to waste a seat on the old man, but head teacher Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris) is moved by his passionate plea and courageously supports his struggle. Together, they face fierce opposition from parents and officials and attract attention from the media. Maruge manages to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest primary-school pupil. The film moves between Maruge’s memories of the ...

Movie Review: The Help

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:37:07 +0100

Skeeter conducts a series of probing, in-depth interviews with the women who cook, clean and raise the babies of the wealthy families in the neighbourhood. After so many years of biting their tongues, Aibileen and her rebellious friend Minny grow excited by the opportunity of finally expressing themselves, as Skeeter encourages them to tell their life stories and unveil their secrets. The interviews begin with Aibileen (Viola Davis), who has raised 17 white children over ...

Movie Review: A Better Life

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:09:00 +0100

Carlos buys into the American dream of running his own business, with a new truck, a client list and some gardening tools. But disaster strikes when the truck is hijacked. The massive blowback event exposes the strength of character required when dreams are destroyed. Featuring a mix of Spanish and English, this socially conscious film keeps it simple and understated. It’s ultimately about a father’s love, the meaning of family and the lengths a parent will go to to g...

Movie Review: Beautiful Boy

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:06:51 +0100

\Their emotionless 20-year marriage is on the brink of collapse when they receive the news. Now with their only child dead, they realise they only have each other as they struggle numbly through the funeral, the media onslaught, and the awkward pity from relatives and friends. The film’s greatest strength is the gripping performances by Bello and Sheen. Director: Shawn Ku Starring: Maria Bello, Martin Sheen and Kyle Gallner...

Movie review: Bridesmaids

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:03:26 +0100

As Annie stumbles through the expensive and bizarre bridal rituals, she is constantly upstaged by perfectly composed and mega-wealthy fellow bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne). In the meantime Annie’s personal life is rapidly unravelling. She loses her job, gets evicted from her apartment and is involved in an unfulfilling relationship with a self-absorbed and uncommitted man. Through the trials and tribulations of wedding planning friendships are made and broken. Ultimately...

Movie review: London Boulevard

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:08:54 +0100

Farrell gives an awesome performance in his role as a hard ruthless man with a desire for redemption, and the performance by Keira Knightley trades cleverly on her stardom. There are no surprises as the story plays out, and although the plot is predictable, it is surprisingly an enjoyable one to watch. Director: William MonahanStarring: Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone...

Movie review: The Perfect Host

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:06:06 +0100

When this pair of twisted characters finds themselves in the each other’s extraordinary company, things quickly get out of hand. The conman suddenly finds himself intoxicated by a cocktail of sedatives and alcohol. When he comes to, he is tied to a chair with his hands bound behind his back, forced to play witness to his dinner host’s mad schizophrenic visions and insidious dinner chatter. This dark comedy is offbeat, strange and slightly deranged but quite fun to wat...

Movie review: The Tree of Life

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:01:58 +0100

The film is an intimate observation of Jack’s typical 1950s Texan family – besides the stern, business-minded father, there’s a loving, compassionate mother (Jessica Chastain) and Jack’s two brothers –and the star-studded cast is able to offer viewers a palpable portrayal of the complex relationships between them. Acclaimed director and master storyteller Terrence Malick says, “The family – our first school – is the only place that most of us learn the truth about ...

DVD Review: The Lincoln Lawyer

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:39:42 +0100

The sleazy lawyer is then hired to defend rich Beverly Hills playboy Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who stands accused of rape and attempted murder of a prostitute (Margarita Levieva). Mick believes he’s landed the case of a lifetime, but his client’s aim is for a foolproof plan to beat the system, and Mick soon suffers a crisis of conscience. As the movie plays out, events from the present turn out to be connected to the past, and so follow the twists and turns of a typical c...

DVD Review: Bobby Fischer Against The World

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:36:37 +0100

Fischer was raised in Brooklyn by a Jewish single mother whose communist leanings put her on the FBI’s list as a suspected spy. Often alone, Fischer taught himself to play chess at age six. In 1958, at age 14, he became the United States champion! In 1972, he beat reigning Soviet champ Boris Spassky for the world title – a match that dominated world headlines. Liz Garbus’s documentary explores the intellectual beauty of the game whilst at the same time exposing the ...

DVD Review: Water For Elephants

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:33:02 +0100

Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus animals, and it is here that he meets Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the beautiful blonde star of the equestrian act. Marlena is married to the charismatic but twisted animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), and the seeds of an unexpected romance are sewn as Jacob and Marlena are drawn together by their love for a special elephant, Rosie. The magical moments of circus life are depicted charismatically by cinematographer Rodr...

CD Review: Vusi Khumalo - Reasons for seasons

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:29:53 +0100

Working with some of the finest artists in the industry today – including legendary percussionist Tlale Makehene, vocalists Zwai Bala, Barney Rachabane and RJ Benjamin – Vusi uses Reasons for Seasons to show his love for Jozi and his appreciation of culture. He also uses it to point out the city’s problems, so it’s in actual fact more than a jazz album. In his lyrics, which have a spiritual edge to them, Vusi puts forth controversial subjects in song and touches on multi-c...

CD Review: Nkulee Dube - My Way

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:04:59 +0100

Her strong soulful voice is rich with emotion that confirms that Nkulee is no stranger to the stage and to music. After all, she grew up as part of the background singers touring with Lucky Dube. Her talent stretches beyond the microphone as she herself has penned most of the tracks. A truly Afro-international offering, this album features collaborations with artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Germany and America. With such a convincing entrance to the scene as an artist no long...

Movie review: One Day

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:35:49 +0100

As they explore their separate journeys through life, they continue to share a deeply connected friendship that somehow outweighs all the loss, tears and turmoil of life with love, laughter and real understanding. The story is adapted from the bestselling novel by David Nicholls, who also wrote the screenplay. One Day takes viewers on an emotional journey that thankfully stays away from a predictable ending. Director: Lone ScherfigStarring: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess...

Movie review: Beginners

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:30:43 +0100

His new love inspires a flood of memories of his father who came out of the closet at age 75 and following 44 years of marriage to his mother. Oliver remembers Hal’s honesty and the renewed spirit for life he felt after he came out and realises that the whole experience brought the two of them closer together. Following the death of his father, Oliver now endeavours to love Anna with the bravery, humour and hope that his father taught him. As he grapples with the meaning of life and lo...

Movie review: PAGE ONE - Inside the New York Times

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:01:11 +0100

Director Andrew Rossi followed journalists and ace staffers at the New York Times – such as David Carr, Brian Stelter, Bruce Headlam and Bill Keller – around for a year, gaining access to the inner workings of the newspaper in the process. Viewers get an up-close look at the vibrant cross-cubicle debates and collaborations and the competitive page-one pitching that still brings the New York Times to life every day. Director: Andrew RossiStarring: David Carr, Brian Stelter, Bruce Head...

DVD Review: Exit Through the Gift Shop

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:37:41 +0100

There has been much debate over whether Exit Through the Gift Shop is a genuine documentary or a mockumentary. Either way, it’s greatly entertaining and offers viewers an up-close-and-personal look into the most infamous graffiti artists at work. The film is also a great exploration of what really constitutes art, and how mass consumerism strongly influences our creative freedom. Director: BanksyStarring: Banksy, Thierry Guetta and Space Invader...

DVD Reviews: The Illusionist

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:35:19 +0100

His passion for his trade takes him through Europe to perform in any place he can find – from small pubs to garden parties. It’s while performing in a country tavern in Scotland that he encounters Alice, an innocent young girl who’s completely blown away by his show. The awestruck Alice believes his tricks are real magic, and the two lonely strangers quickly bond. The Illusionist is a simple yet memorable tale that will leave you longing for the simple wonders life offers. Director: Sylvai...

DVD Review: Limitless

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:31:31 +0100

But as with all good drugs he soon realises the higher the climb, the harder the fall. Director Neil Burger shows great stylistic flair using impressive camera tricks and editing effects that allow the audience to see it all from Eddie’s drug-induced perspective. The plot takes a few decidedly silly and unexplored turns, but Limitless is certainly a mainstream movie that succeeds in offering viewers an original concept worth getting excited about. Director: Neil BurgerStarring: Bradley Cooper,...

CD Review: Judith Sephuma (I am a living testimony)

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:25:42 +0100

Like its predecessor, New Beginnings, produced by Lawrence Matshiza, earned her a coveted SAMA statuette in the highly contested Best Female Artist category and two more honours – proof of its great power and artistry. But it lacked the magic and enduring majesty of A Cry, A Smile, A Dance. As if to try and recapture the magic of her first album, Sephuma again teamed up with ex-husband Selaelo Selota, who produced her third album, Change Is Here (2008).With the exception of one or two radio fa...

CD Review: KB - Run Free (The Evolution)

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:15:17 +0100

Her inventive ability to fuse seemingly disparate idioms into highly entertaining music that is both suitable for partying up a storm and tranquil listening is one of her secrets for success. This album features dynamic music that exudes both raw and sophisticated energy. She performs with unparalleled passion and unrivalled vocal artistry. What also elevates this album to the class of an award-winner is the exciting manner in which she has tapped into the captivating Tswana rap made famous by...

CD Review: Liz Ogumbo

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:54:24 +0100

This 13-track album is an exhilarating sonic expression of the young Kenyan’s ethnic origins and eclectic influences. She tackles a variety of contemporary themes and concerns, including her experiences as a black model in a white-dominated industry. Playfully but passionately, she takes the listener on a soulful journey that is rooted in her rich Luo musical heritage and branches out to coastal Swahili traditions. She continues this exploratory sonic journey through R&B avenues, jazzy lan...

DVD Review: Hereafter

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:14:35 +0100

Meanwhile, French journalist Marie Lelay (Cécile de France) struggles to deal with a near-death experience that shakes her reality. And then there’s young Marcus (Frankie and George McLaren), a London schoolboy who is struggling to deal with the loss of his twin brother, who was killed in a car accident. Common to them all is their search for answers, and in seeking the truth their lives intersect and are forever changed. Despite Eastwood’s brilliance, some great performances and an emotio...

DVD Review: Life Above All

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:12:24 +0100

When Chanda’s baby brother dies suddenly, the rural community of Elandsdoorn begins to suspect her mother has HIV. Chanda is determined to overcome the gossip and lies and embarks on a courageous journey to restore her mother’s dignity. The film is a brilliant and most relevant piece of social commentary and received a 10-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere. In his portrayal of both the beauty and ugliness of humanity, South African-born director Oliver Schmitz manages to explore ...

DVD Review: The Fighter

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:04:35 +0100

The support of his family becomes his struggle, and as the gripping drama unravels he decides to let go of Dicky, who has helped train him for as long as he can remember, as well as his manager and mother (played by Melissa Leo). The film is driven by its strong cast, with an especially brilliant performance by Christian Bale, who dropped about 20 kilograms to play crack-addicted big brother, Dicky. The thrills of each fight are perfectly crafted by cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, while direc...

CD Review: Stimela - A Lifetime

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:23:51 +0100

Distinguished guests – including American Puff Johnson, Thandiswa Mazwai, Soweto Spiritual Choir and Ladysmith Black Mambazo – lend their magical voices in exquisitely crafted songs such as Dance For Me and Turn On The Sun. Band leader Ray Phiri and the late crooner Nana Motijoane reignite the vocal chemistry that brought about Whispers In The Deep in the exceptionally soulful Holy Soul while the legendary female backing trio of Stella Khumalo, Faith Kekana and Felicia Marion keep the vocals ...

CD Review: Skipper Shabalala - Bekezela

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:20:51 +0100

In the mid-1990s Shabalala reinvented himself as Lucky Dube’s lead guitarist. He toured with the late reggae master and shared international stages with other revered reggae icons including Burning Spear, Ziggy Marley, UB40 and Eddy Grant. But this album is not about reggae or township disco. It’s a testimony of Shabalala’s progression from a talented township musician with popular acclaim to an African artist who’s found his voice and purpose in contemporary African music. Incorporating ...

CD Review: Phinda - Heaven Can Wait

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:15:55 +0100

But as the album title indicates, this is in essence a work that celebrates life. It’s mainly happy folk music steeped in her Xhosa heritage with a contemporary edge that’s been tailored for the dance floor. The title track itself has a Sophiatown-era sound that was inspired by the stories Mama Afrika related to Phinda about life in this suburb of Jozi. Other outstanding tracks include Plea For Africa, a John Knox Bokwe classic composition she first recorded in Victor Ntoni’s groundbreaking...

Movie review: Black Swan

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:08:46 +0100

Despite her technical prowess, battered feet, skin-and-bone body, and tireless efforts, Nina lacks the ability to embrace her character as the Black Swan. Enter Lily (Mila Kunis), a dancer who is wild, oozes sex appeal and delivers her dance style with passion and abandonment – a challenge to Nina’s sorely robotic precision. The rivalry between the two dancers soon develops into a twisted friendship.Encouraged to embrace her dark side, Nina is pushed to her limits. In her goal to truly let go...

Movie review: You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:05:08 +0100

In essence it is the story of one family and their tangled love lives, where all the poignant details are subtly captured by an all star cast. Alfie (Anthony Hopkins) trades in his 40 year marriage for a gold-digging call girl half his age, while his ex-wife Helena (Gemma Jones) finds solace in the loopy advice of a psychic. Their daughter Sally (Naomi Watts) struggles to keep her childless marriage together, and begins to develop a crush on her handsome boss, Greg (Antonio Banderas). Her writer-...

Movie review: Love and Other Impossible Pursuits

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:00:31 +0100

Director Don Roos has done a great job in his exploration of the relationships between characters, which are as amusing as they are convincing. He portrays the life of Emilia through a series of flashbacks that allow the viewer to flick through the chapters of her life, juxtaposing past tragedy with the undying hope for happiness. All the while Cinematographer, Steve Yedlin, captures the winter wonderland of modern Manhattan.Dramatic, emotional, and engaging, Love and Other Impossible Pursuits co...

DVD Review: The Tourist

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:57:54 +0100

Strangers to one another, they are now both entangled in a web of intrigue, romance and danger. There is a twist at the end of the tale, but it isn’t very exciting nor does it make much sense. The Tourist is a romantic thriller that lacks the thrill. Charming yet forgettable, it captures the beauty of Venice with cinematic grace but fails to explore the characters of Hollywood’s best actors to their fullest potential. But if you like luxury, clothes, jewels, hotels, boats and breathtaking vie...

DVD Review: 127 Hours

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:55:34 +0100

Although the majority of the movie is filmed in a cramped, isolated space where panic and claustrophobia are equally tangible, the visually rich dream sequences revealing his life before this moment are a wonderful relief. The movie relies heavily on the solo performance by Franco, and he is simply brilliant! The intensity of his performance does great justice to Aron’s truly unbeatable will to live and makes this movie a must-see. A terrifying, inspiring and gut-wrenching experience – certai...

DVD Review: Dinner for Schmucks

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:48:55 +0100

Then Tim meets Barry (Steve Carell), who is the most extraordinary schmuck in all of Los Angeles. Barry’s big hair, bad teeth and bizarre hobby of dressing up dead mice as famous historical figures makes him the perfect guest – and Tim’s ticket into the winner’s circle. But despite being a born loser, Barry’s creepy ways are rather endearing, and so begins the start of a very unlikely friendship. Although not the most brilliant movie ever, it is a fun-filled comedy that is as entertaini...

Movie Reviews (Issue 20)

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:37:44 +0100

The movie Spud invites us into the mind of a boy struggling to come to terms with a strange new world, a boy whose eyes are being opened to love, true friendship and the complete insanity of life. You don’t want to miss this one!Director: Donovan MarshStarring: John Cleese, Troye Sivan, Jeremy Crutchley, Jason Cope, Tanit Phoenix, Charlbi Dean Mao’s Last DancerA rags-to-riches story exploring Li Cunxin’s extraordinary journey from a poverty-stricken upbringing in rural China to...

DVD Reviews: Precious

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:52:18 +0100

Incredibly overweight and illiterate, Precious is forced to wait on her welfare-reliant monster of a mother, who continuously hurls abuse her way. And to top it off she’s pregnant for the second time by her father. Precious manages to face her challenges with the help of two supporting forces, her teacher Ms Rain (Paula Patton) and the compassionate social worker who is handling her case (a particularly moving performance by Mariah Carey).The unsettling nature of this film deals with rape, ince...

DVD Reviews: Inception

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:41:41 +0100

Cobb’s rare ability makes him a valuable player in the world of corporate espionage, but it also makes him an international fugitive at the expense of a normal existence. When a businessman hires him for the never-done-before job of inception, he’s given the opportunity to gain redemption and get his life back. But now he must accomplish the reverse; instead of stealing an idea, Cobb must plant one. If he and his team of specialists succeed, it could be the perfect crime. Brilliant special ef...

DVD Reviews: Karate Kid

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:27:27 +0100

Boy quickly finds himself challenged by a local group of thugs who also happen to be kung fu masters. Finding refuge in the care of the apartment block’s handyman, boy learns respect and the disciplined art of karate. Jackie Chan and the charismatic young Smith do a good job in their portrayal of a touching father-son relationship. The rest of the characters are somewhat underdeveloped and disappointing, but this is compensated for by cinematographer Roger Pratt’s beautiful portrayal of the c...

CD Reviews: Lura - Eclipse

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:24:41 +0100

Her fourth album, Eclipse, is her most comprehensive and accomplished yet in terms of the range of styles and genres it covers, from the melancholic mornas, the music of sweet sorrow made popular by Cesaria Evora to other popular genres scattered across the archipelago such as the coladera, funana and batuco, the latter a women’s style from Santiago, the island of her father’s birth. Her sensual, soulful voice sings the sodades – traditional bluesy songs that evoke sadness and nostalgia for...

CD Reviews: Erik Paliani - Chitukutuku

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:18:37 +0100

As an acclaimed guitarist himself, Paliani has collaborated as a session musician with respected artists including bassist Musa Manzini and pianist Themba Mkhize. In his album debut, Paliani finds his voice as a talented songwriter and guitarist who strikes the right notes in every one of these 10 tracks. The songs are steeped in the folk music of his native Malawi, but his deft, sophisticated arrangements and heavenly melodies give this album a global appeal. Those who insist on neat labels will...

CD Reviews: Vusi Mahlasela - Say Africa

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:09:04 +0100

In this “sonic journey of engaging melodies and heartfelt lyrics” are 14 astonishing songs performed in no fewer than eight African languages – including Swahili, which is featured in the hit duet Nakupenda Africa (I Love You Africa) with Angelique Kidjo – and every single one of them is bound to give the listener goosebumps . It’s also a tribute album that pays homage to his ancestral roots (Mokalanyane), the sterling leadership of Mandela (Ntate Mandela) and the immortal music of Ph...