The 1300-year-old mbira, or thumb piano – an ancient instrument of Zimbabwe origin – is at the heart of this enticing Albertan renaissance. Its sound, likely familiar to world music fans’ ears, is reborn through the band’s infectious polyrhythmic grooves, built from their diverse global roots. Leaders Chaka and Chiedza Zinyemba were born in Zimbabwe. Bassist James Stuart spent years travelling in Japan. Greek-decendant guitarist George Koufogiannakis and Tony Flanagan bring jazz chops. Original member of famed Zimbabwean band Mokoomba, Donald Moyo, tinkles the keys. Rumbi Zinyemba and Holly Sangster add vocals and saxophone. The Zinyemba’s colourful, passionate dancing completes their magical world.

Together their upbeat, joyful multi-culti creations weave rootsy Southern African influences, jazz, reggae and Afro-pop. The lyrics (sung predominantly in the local Shona language) tell stories of love, migration, African–Canadian connections and a deep appreciation of culture and tradition. It’s a life-affirming celebration of cross-cultural mash-ups through a modest, ancient instrument’s powerful history. Zimbabwean greats Thomas Mapfumo, the Bhundu Boys, Andy Brown and Chiwoniso Maraire who inspired them would be proud.

- Kerry Clarke