Munya Mataruse - Tuku's Student steadily rising to fame

Munya Mataruse could prove to be Oliver Mtukudzi’s best student. The youngster, who is riding high with his album Dengu Remhodzi, has been staging shows with Mtukudzi and proved to be destined for greater heights. Mataruse always acknowledges that he owes a lot to Mtukudzi since he was trained at Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
He worked with Sam Mtukudzi and seems to be filling the gap that the late promising star left. Mtukudzi treats Mataruse like his son and as an obedient student, the young musician humbles himself in the shadow of his tutor. Today the teacher takes his student to Mutare Polytechnic for a rare show that is likely to be an early Christmas present for students and music lovers in the city at large.

In an apparent show of respect, Mataruse did a song with Mtukudzi. They stage the song together at their joint shows. In Mutare they are likely to do the same. The show will also feature Bruce Mpofu, son of the late jiti legend Paul Mpofu. Show organiser Blessing Jeke of Proma Events said he had followed with interest shows featuring Mtukudzi and Mataruse and enjoyed their combination.

“The young musician is indeed talented. He is humble and rises up to every occasion. Sharing the stage with Mtukudzi is no easy act, but Mataruse always lives up to the billing,” said Jeke. Mataruse is steadily rising into the limelight. “It’s a great honour to perform alongside Tuku because a lot of upcoming musicians would like to have this platform,” said Mataruse.

“I feel very happy to be part of his shows, it’s like he is one of the biggest musicians nationally and internationally, so performing my new music to his big crowd markets my music.” Mpofu is also trying his best to keep his father’s music alive. He shared the stage with Mtukudzi in Kadoma recently and staged a commendable act. (Newsday)