PORTLAND, Ore. -- To sing with one voice representing a collective soul is no small feat, but Zimbabwean Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi just might be up to the task.

Mtukudzi plays the Oregon Zoo Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. as part of the summer concert series presented by Wells Fargo and Fred Meyer.

"Oliver Mtukudzi is graced with a haunting, husky voice that powerfully conveys his profound lyrics," said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. "But the weight of his words is juxtaposed with light, traditional R&B and South African pop-inspired tunes. The combination is irresistible and inspirational."

Mtukudzi's style is so innovative and unique that it is dubbed "Tuku style."

With a voice that National Geographic calls "mellifluous," he takes listeners on a stylistic journey "from Cape to Cairo," balancing his melodies with important social messages.

Using a recording studio in South Africa, Mtukudzi has produced many successful world-market albums, including "Tuku Music" (1998), "Paivepo" (2000) and "Vhunze Moto" (2002).

Citing his prolific writing and fluid style, Parade magazine dubbed him "one of the few genuine innovators on the Zimbabwean music scene."

"Oliver Mtukudzi is not only a joy to listen to, he is also an agent of social change," said Swan. "There are not many world-class concerts by someone so instrumental in strengthening a country's social and political freedom."

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Oregon Zoo for $10 each. Tickets can also be purchased (with service charge) online or at Ticketmaster locations at area Fred Meyer stores.