Chimurenga Renaissance is the musical brainchild of Shabazz Palaces percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Tendai Maraire. Out March 25th on Brick Lane Records, CR's debut album riZe vadZimu riZe features contributions from Shabazz ringleader Palaceer Lazaro, Hussein Kalonji, THEESatisfaction, M1 of Dead Prez and local rap group Malitia Malimob, among others. It was also mixed by local studio hot shot Erik Blood. As of today, Pitchfork has made the album available to stream in in its entirety through their music-sharing page Pitchfork Advance, which I recommend you take full advantage of.

I'm listening to it for the first time as I type, but I can say the album makes great use of Maraire's complex rhythmic vision. He's melded acoustic and electronic instrumentation in fascinating ways, and his team has created some extremely plush environments. His rhymes on the tracks have an empowering yet fun feeling, and involve community commentary and occasionally reference Zimbabwe. So far, I'd say it's an excellent listen. Check it out here!