Tuku presents unique musical



Oliver Mtukudzi

Veteran musician Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi will tonight team up with various local artists in a unique musical titled “Masanga Bodo” to be held at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale. The show will feature 25 artists from different genres who include Pauline Gundidza, Ex Q, Tapiwa Chibaya, Chiyedza Chevatendi, Jackie Nyamutumbu, Tsvete, Pakare Paye Arts Ensemble and Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble.

Mtukudzi’s wife Daisy and daughter Selmor are also expected to be part of the cast. Masanga bodo is a Shona phrase implying that people should not depend on luck, but work hard to succeed. Tuku Music publicist Shepherd Mutamba said “Masanga Bodo” would fuse different musical genres to tell one story.

“Fusing Mtukudzi’s own katekwe, urban grooves and gospel as well as traditional dance and contemporary Zimbabwean mixes and beats, the musical tells one story,” said Mutamba. It is a fusion of dance and drama to tell a story whose plot reveals what Mtukudzi calls sociostereotypical belief that events of everyday life happen as series of mere coincidences.

The music icon has proven to be a master at his art locally and beyond as he incorporates elements from different musical traditions, giving his music a distinct style. Tonight Mtukudzi will be expected to evoke emotions from a previous episode at the same venue when he performed with his late son Sam before his tragic death two years ago.

Mutamba said the musical would showcase variety in musical styles, sounds and their connectivity in extraordinary sequences. “The performances will also show how varied rhythms can be cleverly synthesised in story-telling.” Mutamba said “Masanga Bodo” would feature mostly Mtukudzi’s golden oldies including such hits as Nyarara Mwanawe and Gurwe although there will be a number of new songs.

“There are songs like Sarawoga from Tuku’s 61st album expected to be released later this year.” The show comes a week before Mtukudzi bids his fans farewell as he goes on a three-month tour of Europe and Unites States. Mtukudzi’s official farewell tour will be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on June 30. The farewell gig will feature Jah Prayzah, Sulumani Chimbetu and Diana Samkange.

Organiser of the June 30 show, Josh Hozheri, said they had planned the show to prepare Mtukudzi for a good tour and wishing him well as he goes to meet his overseas fans. “We found it appropriate to say goodbye to our music icon in a special way. A three-month tour is not an easy task and we want to wish him well as he travels on this busy schedule,” said Hozheri. After the show, Mtukudzi will only return to the local stage in September.  Newsday