Chiwoniso

After releasing one nice album back in 1998, we didn't hear much from Chiwoniso for the next decade. (She was busy with little things like raising her daughters and doing international humanitarian work.) 2008's Rebel Woman found her native Zimbabwe in turmoil, poverty-stricken and politically confused; the need for courageous voices had never been greater. Though Chiwoniso's voice is very good (but not great), her messages about poverty, children and rebellion strike nerves, while that sparkling mbira and lovely production fold lyrical daggers in velvet sheaths.