The fifth album from the Afro-Nordic music stylists Monoswezi is simply entitled Shanu, meaning “Five” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. The band’s lead vocalist and mbira player, Hope Masike, is originally from Zimbabwe, and she composed the music and/or words for six of the songs on Shanu. Several of her songs speak to social injustices and are a call for more love, kindness, compassion, balance and equity in the world. “Paya,” “”Zvorema,” “Tsaika Dzako” and “We Crown You Nehanda” carry profound messages for societal direction, the latter sung in English.

Incorporating new electronic elements into their music on Shanu, multi-instrumentalist Hallvard Godal features the Mellotron, a type of early synthesizer or sampler made up of a series of magnetic tapes to recreate different sounds. One of his three standout compositions on this album is “Where is my Mbria?” that presents a yearning for one’s heritage. Later in the set, Monoswezi’s arrangement of a traditional African number, “Hwiri Hwiri Hwiri” is a tribute and blessing to one’s mother. Other members of Monoswezi  are Putte Johander, Erik Nylander and Calu Tsemane (who wrote the song “Um Pouco” with its call for respect, understanding and acceptance of our differences).      

The band came up with its moniker, Monoswezi, from an amalgam of the founding members’ nationalities - Mozambique (Mo), Norway (No), Sweden (Swe), Zimbabwe (Zi). Together, they exhibit good chemistry and cohesion that is based on a well-executed collaborative effort and universal vision. Their world music has a driving, but also a subtle relaxing and inspirational, groove.  Even with some pop and disco elements, the track “Woshanda” is proof that music knows no boundaries, and that influences from various genres often lead to a synergistic bountiful reward for dancers and listeners alike. While I might have advocated for the production to include some driving Afro-popish guitar and more jazzy sax at certain points in the journey, that’s a minor criticism of their effervescent world music  with its charmingly modest eloquence, enchanting melodies and spacey atmospherics. I expect that Monoswezi’s Shanu will maintain a strong presence for weeks to come on The Roots Music Report’s World Music Album Chart.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)