CD Review – Pumeza Matshikiza (Voice Of Hope)

Pumeza Matshikiza – Voice Of Hope (Universal Music)

In 15 gorgeous tracks, this Queenstown born soprano singer produces proof that beauty is infectious. Beauty, like the spirit of expectation, which defines Voice of Hope, is able to carry the day when all else won’t.  Perhaps it’s in learning how young Pumeza went from a little girl in a township of the Eastern Cape to a principal singer in Opera houses of Europe that we can appreciate the strength of will and talent it takes to produce her album.

The 35 year old vocalist brings this diverse heritage to bear in her selection of songs. The lilt and swirl of her voice when singing the aria from Mozart’s Don Giovanni is as thrilling as when she handles Xhosa songs. The later are best represented by Mackay Davashe’s Lakutshona’iLanga and Saduva along with Miriam Makeba’s The Click Song.   The various click sounds, from the palatal “q” to the dental “c” and lateral “x” feel lifted from mere speech to the level of high art. This is what music does. It helps the listener to receive the mundane with a new ethereal sense.

Percy Mabandu