Soweto String Quartet - Millennia (1998)

The Soweto String Quartet, while not entirely of the normal strain of music coming from Soweto, is a string quartet from the South African city trained in European classical music and instruments, but progressing to add bits of other music from their area, taking on a sound occasionally similar to other cross-genre groups (Kronos Quartet). On Millennia, the quartet produced songs of an unusually joyous tone, in an almost kwela type of sound. While it may not seem entirely African (because it isn't entirely African), the music was made to capture the feelings of Africa, and the sounds of South Africa, which the group has done rather well. All of the songs carry precision works of string playing, along with other South African players (guitar, keyboards, etc.) adding a backing to it. Highlights include the "Dance of the Warriors," which incorporates a few elements from ancient zulu music, and "Sunrise," which includes some worthy percussion lead ins. If someone were looking for easy material to listen to, this is some of the most cheerful and relaxing instrumental music there is.