Fireworks expected at ‘First Gig of the Year’

Oliver Mtukudzi

After briefly going into slumber as most artists took a well-deserved break following hectic festive season programmes, the showbiz scene erupts into activity with a top-drawer gig featuring Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Sulumani “Sulu” Chimbetu, Munya Mataruse and Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave at City Sports Centre on January 27.

Fungisai

Dubbed “First Gig of the Year,” the show is billed to lead the 2012 entertainment calendar in style. It is yet another affair comprising various genres, notably dendera, katekwe, jazz and gospel. For Sulu, Tuku and Mataruse it will be a continuation of a fruitful combination that saw them sharing the stage at various successful outings last year.

Tuku and Sulu have been by each other’s side musically for the past couple of years, culminating in a chart-topping collaborative hit Kwedu off Sulu’s album Non-Stop. Various joint shows have seen the duo delivering quality entertainment to fansin various parts of the country. The climax of their gigs has always been the performance of their joint hit. Their shows are indeed memorable.

Mataruse will once again be striking his chords in the shadow of his mentor and tutor. The young musician prides himself on endless lessons from Tuku and admits the music superstar’s guidance will forever be the pivot of his blossoming career. At their shows Tuku and Mataruse have taken fans through treasured cruises with a duet titled Hondo. Mataruse is fast maturing into his own man and will be out to prove he is determined to take his career to another level this year.

Zvakavapano-Mashavave will continue with her outreach thrust outside the gospel circle. The diva has vowed to reach out to music fans outside her customary fan base circle in an attempt to lure them with her touching lyrics. Recently she performed at Jazz 105 in a sold-out show that left lasting impressions. She was a guest performer at the inaugural Women in Jazz Festival while late last year she presented a commendable show at the Solo Festival in Norton.

Organiser of the “First Gig of the Year” Josh Hozheri said the show would set the pace for the 2012 showbiz programme. “Most artists have been on holiday and the show will be the first major gig in the capital, if not across the country. “Bringing Sulu and Tuku together has proved to be the best way to package quality entertainment and I have no doubt that Fungisai and Munya will add flavour to the show. 

“We promise a great start to the showbiz year,” said Hozheri. (NewsDay)