Once home boys, always home boys, goes the old adage. That’s exactly what music fans should expect at “Zim’s Finest Gig” when Oliver Mtukudzi reunites with Piki Kasamba on stage. The former bandmates in the Black Spirits are set to share the stage once more and turn on the magic of yesteryear before Piki retired from public performances.
However, most music pundits have been anticipating such a reunion as Piki has been part of the Black Spirits as a dancer, percussionist and vocalist. Their combination on the dance floor was a pleasure to many of Tuku’s fans. In an interview, the Bindura-based Piki confirmed that he will feature at the “Zim’s Finest” slated for September 30 at Andy Miller Hall to add colour to what may already have been a star-studded gig. “It’s really an honour to be invited to such a big event where some of the best musicians in Zimbabwe will perform,” Piki said. He promised fans a good time when he hits the stage presumably on Mtukudzi’s set. Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions, the organisers of the gig, was equally enthusiastic.
“We are delighted to bring a refreshingly talented entertainer such as Piki. We want to welcome him back on stage for a night to remember,” Chimbodza said. Topping the bill are Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Tongai Moyo, Suluman Chimbetu and dancehall prodigy Winky D.
Given such a bill, the question that most Zimbabwean music followers are asking is who will curtain raise at the gig which resembles a “truth or dare” game. From the look of things, this is not just an ordinary game but an all grown-up men’s musical arena where you either shine or shame. But who will take the long walk of shame?
Organisers of the gig, Chipaz Promotions, must be in a quandary as to which artiste will perform what and when. It can be argued that whoever plays after Mtukudzi, or simply Tuku to his fans, will have to do something extraordinary, as most fans regard the “Tozeza Baba” hitmaker as the best there is in Zimbabwe.
But there is an old saying that says an artiste is as good as his last gig, so maybe the focus will not be on Tuku as the bill boasts Macheso, Dhewa, Sulu and Winky D, real name Wallace Chirumiko. Tuku is an accomplished artiste whose performances are as varied as his music. Already, the gig has all the signs of a thriller and what is all the more exciting is that Winky D, the only dancehall artiste, is a crucial part of the equation.
We have seen battles between sungura and katekwe before, but the fight is no longer between the two genres as dancehall music is fast gaining ground. Winky D or simply the Bigiman appeals to a crossover audience, especially now that he is backed by a live band. During his last outing at the City Sports Centre Bigiman proved his mettle as a composer, songwriter and chanter.
The Bigiman never runs short of ideas and each performance is refreshingly executed although it is difficult for any musician to satisfy their fans. Perhaps this is the reason some critics compared Bigiman aka “the Messi of Dancehall” to international performers like Beenie Man and Elephant Man. That comparison can only come from the uninformed music fans who think about the obvious and yet there is need to cherish the talent that Bigiman exhibits during his shows or in music.
The same could be said of Sulu, who we all know is riding on the success of his late father Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu. One thing that has put Sulu on the spotlight is his zeal and energy on stage. But whichever way you look at the line up, you get the feeling that this could be the gig that most music lovers have been waiting for.
Just imagine the combination of Macheso aka Extrabasso and Dhewa, two of the top sungura thoroughbreds. The last time Extrabasso and Dhewa shared the stage was at the 21st February Movement gala and fans got value for their money. Perhaps to find out who is going to do what and how, make a date with “Zim’s Finest” gig and you won’t regret being there. The gig is the first in a series of mega shows lined up by Chipaz Promotions later this year.
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