ALISON CROOSE King’s Lynn Arts Centre

ALISON CROOSE

Toe-tapping African music filled the Guildhall of St George when the bubbly Norwich-based singer and dancer took to the stage, bursting with enthusiasm as she embarks on her first tour for five years.

The concert, which celebrated Black History Month, also marked the launch of her new album and returned her to the spotlight as a dedicated ambassador of African music and traditions who has created a big following of world music fans.

The 30-year-old, who left Zimbabwe as a teenager, performed alongside her five-piece band and the Timbai Ensemble with their expertise with drums and dance to create a real flavour of African traditions.

An avid audience was quickly engaged by Mudeka's passion for her music and combined with the infectious beat they were easily persuaded to join in singing and dancing.

One of the attractions of Mudeka's performance is its innate cheerfulness, with songs - all sung in African, and some her own compositions - about happy occasions such as weddings and subjects including sunrise, children's play and the leopard.

Impressive drumming and dancing added to the entertainment as the driving rhythms, demonstrated very effectively in reggae numbers, delighted the appreciative audience.