There is no doubt that Ladysmith Black Mambazo has talent. For older fans Gift Of The Tortoise will put a massive smile accross your face. While no new Ladysmith Black Mambazo album is in sight, the artist has been road testing new songs during 1994 tour in Australia. Another great offering from Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Kanje Kanje is the albums biggest surprise. The sound of Rain Chant is difficult to describe, as it seems to squirm in a sensual manner, unlike anything ever created. There Come Our Mothers have really caught my ear and imagination. Outside of the singles, my favorite song on Gift Of The Tortoise is Nomyekelo. Simple and heartfelt closing track Finger Dance closes Gift Of The Tortoise on a high note. Music of Thekwane is gentle, never overbearing. Vulani Ringi Ring is really a nice song to relax and listen too. In Boy Who Turned Into A Cat the light shines equally on lyrics, vocals and instrumentation. It is succeeded by an outstanding track, however: Paparam Vingo, which shows, blatantly, how much Ladysmith Black Mambazo has evolved as a singer. I was truly moved when I heard Shabalala. Two Shelleni is a very catchy tune. Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight…) is an underrated song: I like its lyrics and melody a lot. Peace Be With You is the more seemingly obscure song on Gift Of The Tortoise that bear up best to repeated listening.
Gift Of The Tortoise CD
| Song Name | Time | ||
| Introduction.mp3 | 2:42 |  |
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| Kanje Kanje.mp3 | 3:01 | |
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| Rain Chant.mp3 | 2:24 | |
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| There Come Our Mothers.mp3 | 3:00 | |
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| Nomyekelo.mp3 | 2:34 | |
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| Finger Dance.mp3 | 1:51 | |
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| Thekwane.mp3 | 2:08 | |
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| Vulani Ringi Ring.mp3 | 1:29 | |
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| Boy Who Turned Into A Cat.mp3 | 4:38 | |
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| Paparam Vingo.mp3 | 3:46 | |
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| Shabalala.mp3 | 2:39 | |
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| Two Shelleni.mp3 | 1:42 | |
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| Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight…).mp3 | 3:11 | |
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| Peace Be With You.mp3 | 2:11 | |
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