‘Masanga Bodo’ unbundled

Oliver Mtukudzi

WHEN superstar Oliver Mtukudzi staged his new musical, “Masanga Bodo”, at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare, at the weekend, many of his fans didn’t understand why he was departing from his usual format.

The majority of diehard Tuku fans who didn’t understand what a musical was all about finally got the picture
when Tuku and a cast of fellow musicians, actors and dancers blended their diverse talents to come up with something novel, totally different from Tuku’s ordinary shows.A musical, simply put, is a play or movie in which singing and dancing plays an essential part in telling a story that sometimes encompasses the whole spectrum of a person’s life. The concept developed from light opera in the early 20th century. The recent premiere of “Masanga Bodo” was a narration of Tuku’s music career, his life history, the contribution he has made in putting Zimbabwe on the world map, the fortunes and misfortunes he has experienced, all told through dance, theatrical performance and music.

According to the artiste, the coming together of diverse artistes for the production as well as the way that our lives on earth seem to be interlinked with fate, is the meaning behind “Masanga Bodo”. The artiste said it was not by coincidence that people were what they were today not only as a nation but also as a people. In defining the musical, Tuku, according to his publicist Shepherd Mutamba, “criticises what he calls socio-stereotype belief that events of daily life are a mere coincidence”.

“Mtukudzi believes that the nature of life is such that people’s individual existence and events, good or bad, are already pre-determined by mystical forces way beyond mankind’s understanding or control,” Mutamba said. Those who attended the staging of the musical at the weekend were left convinced that the art form which had a massive cast of over 30 artistes, was indeed a powerful medium of portraying life’s events through music, dance and acting.

EX-Q, Pauline Gundidza, accapella gospel music outfit Chiyedza Chevatendi led by Tapiwa Chibaya, Pakare Paye Arts Ensemble, Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble, mbira player Jackie Nyamutumbu, Pakare Paye-based group Tsvete, as well as Tuku, his wife Daisy and daughter Selmor made up part of the cast of the musical.

Tuku urged, especially Zimbabwean youths, to take pride in their country. “It is not by coincidence that you were born Zimbabwean. You are what you are today because of the virtue of being Zimbabwean. “No race or culture is inferior or superior to the other. My heart bleeds at some parents who are misguided by thinking that it is inferior for their children to be proud of their mother tongue,” he said.

Musician Munya Mataruse, who also doubled as the musical director of the production, said working with Tuku was a humbling experience, adding that he had gained a lot of experience from the artiste. Selmor said “Masanga Bodo” was therapeutic, adding that it reminded her of her late brother Sam. “I take it personally. The production is working as a therapy not only for me but also for the whole family and friends,” she said.
This is Tuku’s third musical after “Was My Child” and “Nzou neMhuru”. Herald