Tuku, Gwala live up to expectations

Oliver Mtukudzi

Hundreds of music fans from across the city thronged Richwood Sports Club in Meyrick Park on Sunday in what turned out to be one of the biggest family concerts. The musical showcase, pitting legendary musicians Oliver Mtukudzi aka Tuku and South African star Freddy Gwala rose to its expected bill as wholesome families braved the drizzling whether to pack the venue to capacity.

Music fans had by mid-day started arriving for the family concert that also featured reggae sensation Jah Prayzah and by late afternoon long lines meandered all over Meyrick Park as fans made their way into Richwood Sports Club’s hall concert.

Parking space, which is usually plenty at the facility, was filled up and motorists had a torrid time trying to find space. I am sure even Tuku should have been surprised by the hundreds that were in attendance when he began to perform around dusk.

And true to form, the music superstar gave audiences a wonderful dose, playing some classic oldies to the delight of the fans who to their credit sang along. And the fans danced too. Reggae star Prayzah is proving to be very popular with audiences as witnessed during his performance which left all spell bound. 

His energy and stage command reminded me of the late South African reggae music star, Luck Dube. The young reggae star had everyone on their feet with his packaged repertoire that sounded boundless. In fact, Prayzah has an amazing catalogue of danceable tunes that can lift any soul and he was at his usual best on Sunday. 

Aided by the sheer thought of playing before such a massive audience, Prayzah gave all and could have even given more. And Zimbabweans like to bogie as witnessed on Sunday and I am sure even the children who were in attendance were left dumbfounded by the sheer dancing skills that their parents possessed.

The kids danced too and they exhibited some fancy footwork that became a highlight throughout the afternoon concert. Richwood Sports Club’s open air performance hall is just the place for big concerts and even more appropriate for family-biased showcases. The hall is big and can pack thousands.

Gwala, who was the concert’s main highlight did not disappoint and gave an hour of flawless performance that was briefly disrupted by an electric fault. When Gwala had finished playing his all-time hit Amadhamara which sent audiences into ecstasy, the lights just abruptly went off.

There were shouts from the audience to Gwala who stood motionless on the stage. “Welcome to Zimbabwe, Gwala. This is Zimbabwe. The lights can go at any time!” The cut was brief and when power was restored, the jam continued but half the crowd had already left fearing that power might not even be coming back soon. It happens only in Zimbabwe. 

“I am sorry my friends because of the power cut. I am sorry,” said Gwala as he continued to perform although the stoppage had killed his performance’s high tempo. The South African musician showed why he is still among the best entertainers in southern Africa by exhibiting fancy dance footwork that excited audiences.

While Gwala is a small man, his presence on stage magnifies his image as he beautifully masters his presence. 

Concert promoter Biggie Chinoperekwei was happy with the response that the showcase received.  

“We are generally satisfied by this fantastic response from people around this area and those who came from other parts of the city. The audience was fantastic. We however, have a number of things we want to improve so as to make this venue a super concert place.” Culled from Newsday