National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

The first year of the new millenium proved a tough one for Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited. In Zimbabwe, two long-standing members of the band had died, trumpeter and arranger Everson Chibhamu and lead guitarist Joshua Dube. But Thomas Mapfumo is nothing if not a survivor, ans as the end of the year approached , and it was getting time for him to go back and play his traditional year-end chows in Harare, he rallied his forces to create one of his most dynamic and soulful recordings ever. Mapfumo called upon his former drummer Sam Mukanga (who since died of AIDS, in May 2002), and trombonist Willard Kalanga. They came from Zimbabwe along with a talented backing singer, Felistas Bisiwasi. He then recruited a talented young American saxaphonist named David Rhodes, who topped one of the most powerful brass destions the Blacks Unlimited has ever seen. After a year of rehersals and shows, Zivai Guveya had grown into the demanding role of lead guitarist. In Harare, Mapfumo and his band were received as heroes. They played to 10,000 people on New Year's Eve. With this recording Thomas Mapfumo has made a gift to those living in Zimbabwe that they won't soon forget.

— CalabashMusic.com