Chiwoniso

You wouldn't exactly call Chiwoniso Maraire's career consistent: she released her debut, Ancient Voices in 1998 and, with the exception of a few compilation appearances, we heard nothing more for a decade. Maraire wasn't exactly goofing off: she was raising her daughters and doing international humanitarian work. In 2008 she returned to the studio, this time under the auspices of the Cumbancha label, who teamed her up with stellar musicians like guitarist Louis Mhlanga (King Sunny Ade, Hugh Masekela) and drummer Sam Matuare (Oliver Mtukudzi). 2008's Rebel Woman saw her singing fewer songs in English and burying her soul and R&B influences under a more strongly Zimbabwean, mbira-based sound.