South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini creates an exciting trio with Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere/b and Francisco Mela/dr on an 11 track suite dedicated to the traditional goddess. Spiritual factors aside, the music has a feel like classic material from Randy Weston, earthy, bop oriented and hitting the heart and soul. There are a few vocal incantations and readings or speeches, while pieces like th bright “KwaKhangelamankenga” is filled with percussive ivories that bounce, while there’s gospel feel to the moody and celebratory “Izinkonjana”. The mix of drums and chants feel like a clarion call on “AmanzusaAsemkhathhini” with the rumbling drums part of a deep meditative rubato on “NyonliLe”. A trip to the dark spirits of Africa.