modumo

Zimbabwe Afro jazz singer Dudu Manhenga and Color Blu

What a voice! Lead singer Dudu has a powerful voice that suggests years of experience.  Nothing quite tops the opening track (Kudala), but this is clever, unpretentious pop of a high order, produced and sung with great aplomb.

The band combines jazz with African rhythms that recall Miriam Makeba and Busi Mhlongo at their best. The opening track of their 2007 album Jula captures all that is great about Color Blu. They are vibrant energetic and playful at the same time. The song is both hopeful and serious but still funky enough to dance to. I look forward to hearing more from this band from across the Limpopo.

Stand out tracks:

Kudala

Ewuwe

Izithukuthuku