Urban Village - Udondolo Review

CELEBRATING UNITY TO OVERCOME STRIFE

Africa's storied track record continues to evolve into the future, as Urban Village joins the ranks of the Congo's KOKOKO! in acclimating to a newfound style bred on electronics. This has seemingly opened a wide array of outlets for expression, as Fongolo branched defiantly into Synth Punk while Udondolo develops upon Nguni Folk Music with a modish blend of Contemporary Folk and Folktronica. And yes, I'm aware of the ignorance exposed by comparing two artists from different African countries. It's something I hope to mitigate with further junkets, as the home-brewed quality seeps into the soul with alacrity intent on overcoming insurmountable odds. Once again, language be damned; Urban Village make it abundantly clear their emotions and desires without the need to understand Zulu, whether it's on the embracive and yearning 'Ubaba' or the joyous, Highlife fete of 'Sakhisizwe.'

There are songs, namely the Singer/Songwriter excursions, that feel lost of me. Namely, 'Madume' and 'Makolo Yanga.' It doesn't help that these are some of Udondolo's longest efforts, dragging without a means to comprehend. Not to mention, Lerato Lichaba's vocals struggle when isolated. When joined in harmonies however, they flourish, accentuating the best of South African music and culture. This is best seen on the two standouts; 'Dindi' and 'Marabi.' The former, an irresistible jaunt that celebrates pristine black female beauty, whoops and hollers with some titillating synthesizers prancing freely in the background. The latter, a reimagined take on Solomon Linda's 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' reclaiming a heritage-defining song from usurpers like The Tokens, accepting and embellishing the classic "wimoweh" refrain to great effect. Udondolo does lose some of its steam and formation come album's end, with a trio of songs that sidestep sonic cohesion much in the same way of bonus tracks. However, the duet with Msaki 'Umhlaba Wonke' puts a sanguine bowtie on the proceedings, rounding out an excellent album filled with power, poise, and playfulness.