Album Notes

Reviews:

From The Beat magazine, Steve Heilig says: "...In fact, I think this is the most immediately impactful Mapfumo release I've heard in a long time, and I'm a longtime fan and booster. So Toi Toi is one to seek out for confirmed followers and neophytes alike; a stellar offering from a towering figure in world music."

From the Leopard Man: 'You can't really stop playing it.'

From the Sacramento Bee: 'True to form, the album sets a buoyant musical tone while tackling such issues as poverty and oppression. And, of course, fighting the good fight.'

Time Magazine: 'Mapfumo's latest album, Toi Toi, was released three weeks ago in Zimbabwe. The sounds are familiar melodic mbira, twangy guitars, Big Band brass. The name comes from a type of protest music, but Mapfumo's manager, Cuthbert Chiromo, says Toi Toi is 'more reflective, less political.' Not apolitical this is Mapfumo, after all. The biggest buzz among the fans is about the track Timothy. The song censures a fool who endangers children. The President is often called T.I.M. 'That Idiot Mugabe.' Coincidence? Ask the music man himself, and he beams mischievously, saying only, 'Great song!''