A debut album by a young singer named Keturah from Malawi a country of Bantu speakers in the former Nyasaland, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” where many struggle to survive in the face of agrarian poverty and HIV-AIDS. Keturah emerged from a family of musicians with much hardship, and by dint of her gifts and hard work survived and is now flourishing The Guardian gave her album this shout-out: “glorious…. mixing traditional tunes into mid-paced afro-funk and melodic pop.” Tracks show originality and variety of singers and musicians.

NO FCC”s Favorite tracks: 2,3,4,6,7, 9, 10

Ku Nyumba (5:52)—upbeat West Indian-sounding intro, Keturah comes in with a flourish; happy-sounding

*2. Mvula (3:46)—slower, more heartfelt lullaby rhythm, mix of strings interspersed with vocals, nice weaving of syncopation and overdubbed percussion

*3. Kwanumkwanu (5:11)— starts with solo bass line; opens out to Keturah’s rich voice, using her language mixed with some English; tender but rhythmic

*4. Nchiwewe (Ode to Wille Nelson) (2:56) — hillbilly waltz in Bantu complete with blues harp; haunting and sweet!

5. All the Way from Africa (3:34)— English and Bantu, nice interweaving, gentle rhythm; easy listening

*6. Sukulu (5:42) — slower, island-style rhythm; tender-sounding, includes pretty kora outro

*7. Udzafele Zina (3:30)—includes trumpet with plunger; edgy

8. Samala (3:57)—chorus opens this along with kora flourishes

**9. Chimbalame  (4:30)—kora front and center here

*10. Wewe (3:26) — jazzy piano and sticks contrast with Keturah’s voice; denser sound bed than other tracks