Nobunto

CRITIC’S PICK
Nobuntu, a female a cappella quartet from Zimbabwe, draws on deep cultural roots to create enthralling, uplifting, modern African music. The emotional power generated by their inventive arrangements and all-female vocalization is an expression of "nobuntu," which, according to the band’s website, is “an African concept that values humbleness, love, unity and family from a woman’s perspective.”

The members of Nobuntu — Zanele Manhenga, Thandeka Moyo, Duduzile Sibanda, Heather Dube and Joyline Sibanda — hail from townships in the city of Bulawayo in Southwest Zimbabwe. While their songs draw upon Afro-jazz, R&B, gospel and other idioms, Nobuntu’s music is derived primarily from mbube, a form of South African vocal music that was traditionally performed by males (think Ladysmith Black Mambazo). – Doug DeLoach