Africa-O-Ye! on 08/08/13

Oliver Mtukudzi and The Black Spirits, a revolutionary music group originating in Zimbabwe, have been performing since 1979. The Black Spirits members have changed over the years, consisting of over 50 members throughout its time, with Oliver Mtukudzi, both musician and public figure, at the forefront throughout the group’s history. Mtukudzi’s organic, savvy mix of traditional ways, pan-African influences, and cosmopolitan pop forms became widely known as Tuku Music. Mtukudzi’s deep and courageous voice solidifies the band, while most of their writing and performances act as a declaration against hatred and violence. THIS SATURDAY, 8/10/2013 OLIVER MTUKUDZI WILL BE MAKING HIS FIRST PORTLAND APPEARANCE IN QUITE SOME TIME [Star Theater, 13 NW 6TH Ave, 8:30 pm]  OPENING WILL BE LOVENESS WESA & THE BANTUS.  A highly talented singer and dancer, Loveness Wesa had already spent 14 years on the Zimbabwean music scene before relocating to Portland in 2002. Aa a choreographer, Wesa leads her own dance troop and has put much energy into working with youth in the African immigrant community, and she has also worked with the legendary Thomas Mapfumo. Loveness Wesa has graciously accepted an offer to drop by the KBOO studios for a live interview during this week's Africa O-Yé!   The show will focus on music from both artists.  We'll listen to 'Tuku' music dating from 1984 to the present, including his latest album, "Sarawoga".  And we'll sample some tasty selections from Loveness Wesa's 2005 album, "Mukadzi WaMambo" which she went back home to Zimbabwe to record. host: Andy Hosch