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Pops was active in producing and playing on the ground-breaking and earth-shaking Outernational Meltdown project released his first solo recording for B&W Music/MELT2000 to a brilliant response from media and public alike. Recorded in New York and Johannesburg, 'Ancestral Healing' is a celebratory selection of music uniting mbira with the uplifting spirit of township jazz. Featuring a range of celebrated musicians, it is a tour de force from Pops, who demonstrates his versatility with a dismaying array of African instruments. On the title track alone, Pops plays mbira, dzavadzimu, kalimbas, jyl, ocarina, triangle, digeridoo, shakers, kora, berimbau, African mouth bow, bells and rainsticks.
'A daring blend of NY session players with SA township jazz/jive ... as we hear on the long title track, digeridoo and traditional African instruments can be a marriage made in heaven.' Rick Sanders, Folk Roots
'This is an album that stays with you long after you have switched off your CD player. Heavily influenced by North African rhythms, it ebbs, flows and kicks. You need this CD in your collection.' Elliot Makhaya, Sowetan, 1.10.96
Personnel:
Pops Mohamed Piano, mbira dzavadzimu, njare, nyunga nyunga, digeridoo, rain stick, ocarina, whistles, assorted hand percussion, digital instrument programming, arrangements and voice.
Emma Guitars, mbira dzavadzimu, nyunga nyunga, hoshos, accordion, digital instrument programming, arrangements and voice.
Valarie Naroanjo Congas, djembe, gyil, axaste, caxixi, kayamba, and Turkish bells.
Joey Cardello Congas, bongos, djembe, bougarabou, kalunga, doumbeg, tom-toms, otah/ubah, chekere, hohos, goathoof rattles, ankle bells and flexatone.

Morris Goldberg Alto sax and wood flute.
Scott Gilman Tenor and soprano saxophones.
Thuli Dumakude Solo voice on Salaam and Cup o'Jo(burg)
Hassan Hakmoun Sintir, solo voice on Salaam
Ephat Mujuru Nyunga nyunga on Salaam
Brahim Fribgane Oud and darakuba on Salaam
Barry Olsen Trombone on Election Day Serenade

Track Listing (30 Second Samples)

1. MBIRA JIVE (5:42)
2. SHONA DAWN (4:02)
3. CUP O' "JO" (BURG) (5:55)
4. COMMUNAL WELL (3:33)
5. LOLLLY'S SONG (5:47)
6. ELECTION DAY SERENADE (3:33)
7. IDUBE (5:34)
8. SALAAM (7:20)
9. ANCESTRAL HEALING (22:23)