Tuku entertains self at birthday

Oliver Mtukudzi

It is usually the case that one gets a treat from loved ones on their birthday but on Sunday Oliver Tuku” Mtukudzi did it for himself. He treated himself on his 60th birthday on stage at the closing ceremony of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).

Tuku took an hour out of his special day to treat himself, his friends and fans to a fantastic repertoire of old and new tunes. The granddaddy of Zimbabwean music was joined on stage by several of his musical friends including female musician and bassist Judith WeUtonga, Senegalese muso Ishmael Lo who attempted bellowing out some Shona rhythms in honour of Tuku and the American band Publish the Quest.

With their different musical styles, they created an enjoyable taste of music which sent the crowds into some measured delirium. Members of the crowd went on an orgy singing “happy birthday Tuku” while Lo wished Tuku more than 100 years of good health just days after a local prophet prophesied that the music star might be facing an imminent battle with illness.

“I want to wish my brother in my heart a good life and I wish you more than 100 years of age and good health,” said Lo while strumming his stylish guitar during the Hifa closing ceremony. Tuku and his band members were clearly dressed for the occasion. A lot of people never knew it was his special day until the Hifa MC publicly announced it.

The group appeared on stage at about 8:30pm all dressed in white with the birthday boy capping it all with matching white shoes with black stripes.The superstar chose to kick-start his show with a prayer song before inviting his birthday guests on stage.

First on stage was Willbroad Muponda better known as Willom Tight in music circles. The two are buddies for a long time and Tuku recently helped Tight put up his latest album reviving his music career in the process. He was followed by Edith WeUtonga then Publish Quest and Lo.

Tuku thanked Hifa for the opportunity to celebrate his birthday with his friends on stage. He has done so before inviting friends to his Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton for his birthday festivities.
He also gave Hifa organisers the thumps up for increasing the number of local artistes at this year’s festival.

“Thank you Hifa for organising such a wonderful festival, especially for this year’s festival that we have noticed and experiences as much local talent as never before and for that reason thank you Hifa for promoting who we are,” said Mtukudzi adding that he was also grateful to Hifa for bringing artistes from elsewhere in the world.

“We need to weigh how far we are in terms of art comparing ourselves with the talents coming from outside our borders, so it’s a beautiful festival ever.” His energetic performance surely defied the rumours about his health. He tip-toed, tap-taped and straddled the entire Telecel Main Stage during his hour-long performance. Newsday