Pumeza: Voice of Hope - an album guide
Get to know this unique album of South African songs and opera classics, performed by the beautiful indulgent tones of soprano Pumeza Matshikiza.
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1. O Mio Babbino Caro
A stunning rendition of Puccini's famous aria from Gianni Schicchi to ease us gently into Pumeza's album, performed with passion and beauty. The lyrics tell of the singer Lauretta's sadness after the relationship between her father and the family of the man she wants to marry are at risk of breaking down, forcing her to separate from her love. Photo: Decca
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2. Signore, ascolta!
Taken from another Puccini opera, Turandot, this aria is performed by slave girl Liu as she wanders the streets of Peking, on the way to the Prince of Persia's execution. She sees the prince, and begs him not to risk his life for the love of the princess. Pumeza's indulgent soprano tone suits Puccini's music perfectly, conveying the drama of the music Photo: Decca
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3. Thula Baba (Hush, My Baby)
Thula Baba presents an incredible combination of Pumeza's rich soprano tone singing a traditional Zulu lullaby. The peaceful tune flows over harps and delicate strings, as the lyrics attempt to calm a restless child as they wait for their father to return. Photo: Decca
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4. Malaika (My Angel)
Proving she's capable of tackling a range of styles, Pumeza tackles this cheery marimba-fuelled Swahili song alongside her impressive Puccini. It's a light-hearted tune, but the lyrics are somewhat more moody: "I should have married you my angel, but I am defeated as I don't have wealth." Photo: Decca
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5. Pata Pata
Originally written and sung in the Xhosa language, this catchy song hit the US Billboard charts in the 1960s, performed by South African singer Miriam Makeba. The Xhosa click sounds, representing different letters in the language, all add to the lively percussion sounds in the music. Photo: Decca
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6. The Naughty Little Flea
"The more I itch, the more I scratch!" It's quite a change from some of the more operatic music on the album, but this Calypso classic injects a touch of humour into the track listing - with a cheery song about a flea! Photo: Decca/Simon Fowler
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7. Vedrai, carino
From naughty little fleas to Mozart... Pumeza takes on this Don Giovanni aria with flair, as she embodies the flirty Zerlina, who promises to soothe her fiance's bruises after he's been beaten up. All he needs to do is put his hand on her beating heart, and he'll feel better. Photo: Decca/Sara Nankin
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8. Donde lieta uscì
A fond farewell in music now, as Pumeza performs the beautiful aria from Puccini's La Boheme. At this point in the opera, Mimi has been coughing a great deal, and Rudolfo fears his lack of wealth will make her illness worse - so they agree to say goodbye. Photo: Decca
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9. Umzi Watsha
A traditional Xhosa nursery rhyme now, giving a nod to Pumeza's roots. The lyrics are similar to 'London's burning', teaching children about fire safety. Photo: Decca
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10. Saduva (Hush I Hear You)
An amazing classical reworking of Miriam Makeba's hit of the same name, swapping guitars and drums for flutes and delicate percussion. Despite taking inspiration from Makeba's original track, taken from the Pata Pata EP, Pumeza's interpretation is entirely personal and brings out a new side to the song. Photo: Decca
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11. Holilili
Kicking off with a sultry clarinet solo and a soulful plucked double bass line, this jazzy song shows off Pumeza's impressive range, including her mellow lower register. Photo: Decca
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12. The Click Song
The Xhosa language uses three distinctive clicks to represent different letter sounds. And this lively string number makes use of as many of them as possible! Photo: Decca
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13. Iya Gaduza
The unmistakable sound of a marimba propels this uplifting song. You can hear the smile in Pumeza's voice as she glides through the lyrics. Photo: Decca
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14. Lakutshon Ilanga (When the Sun Sets)
A change in mood now as the day draws to a close with this peaceful Xhosa song, with percussion instruments representing the sound of birds. Photo: Decca
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15. Freedom Come All Ye
More than a billion people heard Pumeza perform this Scots song at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, describing a wind of change blowing through Scotland and the world. Pumeza's rendition includes traditional South African percussion as well as a folk violin and pipes. Photo: Decca
