Babhemu

At last there's a release that isn't copycat mbaqanga or mbube. Among the specialties of South African music have been: a uniquely glorious female lead-vocal style; a long-term openness to the U.S.; and the world's only truly naturalized jazz and soul styles. Mhlongo has all of that going for her, along with a super voice and a fine band that is somewhat in the polished Soul Brothers' vein.