Definitely a book for someone with a very specialist interest in Zimbabwean history and music, Turino's work is a fascinating look at the development of local music and its connection to global cultural and economic forces. His major thesis holds that music does not develop in a vacuum. In the case of Zimbabwe, the broader political forces- the settler regime, the liberation struggle and then the country's re-immersion into the global mainstream post -1980 all influenced the form of music, the evolution of local instruments like the mbira and helps explain why certain artists gained international acclaim (Thomas Mapfumo, The Bhundu Boys) while other, though popular at home (Devera Ngwena, Lovemore Majaivana - neither of whom are mentioned in the book) never became known beyond the borders of Zimbabwe. This is a thoroughly researched work obviously driven by the author's passion for the music. He shows a deep understanding of and respect for local culture which is rare amongst authors working on such topics. I loved the book but it's not for everyone. You have to share some of the author's passions to appreciate it. ( )