Mtukudzi thrills Bulawayo fans

Oliver Mtukudzi

Bulawayo music fans on Friday night had a rare taste of new songs from Oliver Mtukudzi’s yet-to-be-named upcoming album during a sold-out show organised by Alpha Media Holdings and Hardcore World Entertainment.

Mtukudzi sang a few songs from his long-awaited album during the show held at the Large City Hall. It was Mtukudzi’s first show this year in Bulawayo. Last year Mtukudzi staged five shows in the city. Mtukudzi performed for three hours and played a number of hits picked from his 60 albums.

The country’s biggest selling artist played alongside Mzilikazi-based Vibe Stars rhumba group and Ndolwane Super Sounds. Tich Mavinyo, a music promoter with Hardcore World Entertainment, expressed satisfaction with the attendance at the show and was also impressed with performances from supporting acts.

“The supporting acts were allocated more than two hours each as a way of promoting them,” said Mavinyo. 

“This was the first time the biggest artist in the country was performing alongside Vibe Stars and Ndolwane Super Sounds. The artistes gave a good account of themselves.

“We were happy with the whole show, the attendance and performance and the fact that there were no disturbances. Apart from promoting the supporting act, this was a platform for socialisation.” Vibe Stars were first on the stage followed by Mtukudzi while Ndolwane Super Sounds wrapped up the show. 

However, few people remained as a large number of fans walked out after Mtukudzi’s last song. A moment of silence was observed for the late musician Andy Brown, who died on March 15. Lucky fans walked away with free caps from Alpha Media Holdings.

Meanwhile, music lovers from Kadoma are in for a treat this Easter holiday as Mtukudzi descends on the town for a potentially explosive gig. Dubbed “Easter Special”, the show has been slated for April 5 at the Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre. The Occasions Band, a group based at the hotel, will be supporting artists at the show.

Organiser of the show, Tonderai Mwaita said the gig would be an “Easter present” to Kadoma music fans. 

“Yes, I can confirm Mtukudzi will be holding a show at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre on April 5. The show comes as an Easter present to music fans in Kadoma and it will certainly be one of the best shows they have ever witnessed. It’s an Easter special,” said Mwaita.

He said they roped in the Occasions Band as supporting artists in a bid to ensure local artists from Kadoma were given space and exposure during big musical events. The organisers were still considering bringing in more Kadoma bands to perform at the show.

“We had to take the Occasions Band as supporting artists because we feel artists here are not getting the necessary support needed for them to develop and we feel this show will be a good platform. “We are also planning on bringing in more local groups to participate at the show,” said Mwaita. Mtukudzi’s manager Sam Mataure confirmed the show. Culled from Dailynews