The Zawose Queens – "Maisha" (Weekly Music Roundup)

The Zawose Queens – "Maisha" (Weekly Music Roundup)

The Zawose Queens is a duo from Tanzania. Pendo and Leah Zawose are the daughter and grand-daughter, respectively, of Tanzania’s best known musician, the late Hukwe Zawose, best known for his work with Peter Gabriel. This, though, is the first time that women’s voices have been featured in this music, and their debut single, “Maisha,” or “Life,” blends the lilting rhythms of the East African illimba (thumb piano) with the sounds of Western funk and soul. The song tells of sorrow, and struggle – but the music is full of joy and follows the age old tradition of dancing and singing through hardship. The Zawose Queens' debut single, "Maisha" is part of our Weekly Music Roundup.