The album that got two songs banned on Zimbabwe national radio is also a musical standout. Recorded partly in Eugene, Oregon, and partly in Harare, these 12 songs span from deep roots mbira pop ("Chisi" and "Zvitapera") to quasi-reggae ("Disaster" and "Musanyepe") to Mapfumo's buoyant 3-chord afropop ("Kune Rima" and "Mamvemve"). There's also a remake of the 1980s hit love song "Kariba" and a venture into a sound close to classic South African mbaqanga, "Moto Uyo." The political messages in "Disaster" and "Mamvemve"--which means "Tatters"--raised official hackles in the Zimbabwe government, but the choice was somewhat arbitrary. This album is loaded political undertones and with a general sense that people are ready for change. The soulful, concluding track "Zvitapera" is a traditional number, but its words provide the perfect example: "When will it end?"

Contributed by: Banning Eyre