Clash of Titans at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex this Friday

Tuku and Macheso

Chitungwiza revellers will this Friday have the best of both worlds when two of Zimbabwe's prominent musicians, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso, clash at the Aquatic Complex, in what could turn out to be one of the best gigs this year. Despite their different genres, the two are undoubtedly expected to blend their 40-year cumulative experience in the showbiz and make Friday a night to remember, when they play an array of their compilations.

By having the two collaborate on this show, the promoters are looking at catering for people with different music tastes under one roof. Event organiser Joseph Habis said the gig was aimed at giving back to the people of Chitungwiza, who have consistently rallied behind the two icons over the years. "The two are top-notch entertainers who will no doubt give their best to multitudes of fans, who want to enjoy themselves.

For Macheso, who hails from the dormitory town, the show will further strengthen his popularity in Chitungwiza, a neighbourhood he has grown to love so much.

The sungura king, known to his legion of fans as "Extrabasso", has made the Aquatic Complex his home ground. His stature and popularity have grown over the years, despite the controversies in his life. On the other hand, Tuku, who in the last two years has been reconnecting with his fans by playing at "ghetto" venues, will find out that Chi-town offers good turf for a musician of his calibre. He is one of the few local musicians who have crossed the breadth and width of the globe and remains of one of the best local musicians to date.

Tuku is endowed with a sublime range and poise, has a sharp musical intellect that has earned him international appeal. His katekwe dance coupled with an incisive sound that cuts across classes, puts him in a class of his own, making him one of the most sought after Zimbabwean artistes, and will probably remain so for years to come. Mtukudzi and Macheso's gig is expected to be curtain raised by dendera prodigy Tryson Chimbetu.This would give the young lad confidence, exposure and panache to further enhance his growing profile.

Although Tryson has been a supporting act for Macheso for the greater part of the year, this is one of those encounters where the he is required to show his artistry. The young musician has had a good year, culminating in the release of his album "Bvamroad". (Herald)