Tuku to record with Alicia Keys on MSF Project

Alicia Keys

Oliver Mtukudzi

American R&B sensational diva Alicia Keys is set to collaborate with music legend Oliver Mtukudzi on a CD seeking to reinforce awareness of the importance of HIV programmes among mothers. Mtukudzi has met Medecins Sans Frontiers officials, who are coordinating and producing the musical recording that is expected to be released in Harare on World Aids Day on December 1. 

“Mtukudzi has met officials from MSF who are producing the CD and official correspondence is underway between the two parties regarding the recording,” Mtukudzi’s publicist Shepherd Mutamba said.     MSF operates in Zimbabwe supporting government programmes in the areas of HIV and Aids and TB. 

Mutamba said he understood that the recording would also seek support for the continued need to raise more funding for the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare’s programmes. MSF, Mutamba said, had also revealed that Mali’s internationally celebrated afro-pop singer and songwriter, Salif Keita, and Senegalese singer and percussionist, Youssou N’Dour, were also expected to record songs on the same CD. 

“MSF said they were looking for artists with an international appeal to work on the CD and help raise awareness to avoid more paediatric HIV related deaths and they thought Mtukudzi fitted the bill very well as an international musician.”  While Mtukudzi is already renowned for his outstanding humanitarian work, including his role as a regional UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa, this collaboration with a high profile international musician will certainly add another feather to his cap. 

Like Mtukudzi, Keys is also a philanthropist and co-founder of a non-profit making organization, Keep A Child Alive, which supports HIV and Aids programmes in Africa.