Amabutho
Sikelela
Alma Records cd/dvd
www.almarecords.com
By George W. Harris

I confess-I’m a sucker for these African a cappella groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and now a newer group named Amabutho. This septet of voices is set apart from other groups in that, besides delivering wonderful harmonies, this band has the singers trade off on various marimba’s and conga drums, creating an exciting mix of voices and percussion. The various lead, tenor and bass marimbas coalesce with shakers and congas during songs like “My Wife” and “Blessings” in a way that could be overwhelming, but instead entices. When joined with the lilting voices, the result is sublime. Give this a try.