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Bi Kidude

Title: Zanzibara Vol. 4 Diva of Zanzibari Music

Label: BUDA

Cat No:860141
Format:CD

Our price £ 10.99
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Discovery Records
specialist music - mail order

Bi Kidude, known as "the diva of Zanzibari music", is reputed to be in her late 90’s, or even over 100. No one exactly knows. But she’s still full of singing and regularly performs live. This long awaited CD, the 4th volume in Buda’s already acclaimed Zanzibara series, is a collection of some of her favourite songs, recorded in Zanzibar & Berlin over recent years, and collated by music producer Werner Graebner. She sings in a high, haunting, compelling voice with backing from accordion, violins, guitar, keyboards, bass, qanun, oud, nai and many other traditional instruments.

In recent years she has performed all around the world, and in 2006 appeared with her Unyago dancers at the Mundial festival in the Netherlands in June; at the Go Down festival in Nairobi in September; and then, in November, another European tour in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. She was presented with a prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at WOMEX in Gateshead in 2005. In 2007, there is a book of her life story due for publication and a documentary film release called "As OId As My Tongue : The myth and life of Bi Kidude". Looks like she’s not ready to retire yet !

Track Listing for Zanzibara Vol. 4 Diva of Zanzibari Music
1 Alaminadura
2 Beru
3 Khaifu (Khaifakolil)
4 Kijiti
5 Msondo
6 Jua Toka
7 Ya Laiti
8 Muhugo wa Jang'ombe
9 Pakistani
10 Suhuba ya Dai

Reviews

London Evening Standard - Simon Broughton

This is an excellent collection of recordings, driven by drum rhythms and raucous call-and-response vocals. A fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.

Songlines - Simon Broughton

This CD is a notable achievement, with good liner notes and lyric translations.

fRoots - Rick Sanders

The Diva of Zanzibar, is a lady of serious age belting out taarab with total conviction.

Discovery catalogue available for
Bi Kidude

Zanzibara Vol. 4 Diva of Zanzibari Music