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Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
The long wait for an explosive album from dub poets, writers, musicians, Albert Nyathi and Chirikure Chirikure is over. Set to be launched on Tuesday night at Book Cafe, the 11-track album titled “Connected” is set to attract arts lovers from across genres.
Production manager of the album Taonga Mafundikwa said the title suggests it is the first time the two have been ‘connected’ in a music production.

“Despite having so many years in the industry the two had not done a production together. They come from different backgrounds and the album connects them,” he said.

“As we all know, the pair has travelled across the world for performances. They are credited for popularising local poetry internationally.”

Mafundikwa said tracks on the album that entertainment enthusiasts should look forward to include, “Okubelayo”, “Butsu”, “Ndinetse” or “Ndihlupe” and “Kudala”.

“The album on its own is superb, though I would like to give credit to five tracks that music lovers are likely going to fall in love with.

“It is my seal of approval for the job well-done by the two experienced and humble artistes,” he said.

The album carries poems and songs and the two shares the lines with Nyathi doing his art in Ndebele while Chirikure complements him in Shona.

This could be the pair’s first collaboration but of late they have done so many projects with other artistes from different genres.

Musically, Chirikure has done eight audio recording and one such collaboration was with the late Chiwoniso Maraire in “Poetry with mbira music”.

On the other hand, Nyathi has been involved in identifying, grooming and nurturing talent through Imbongi Arts.

Nyathi’s versatility saw South Africa-based Zimbabwean jazz musician Sibonginkosi “Prince B” Tshabalala calling for his services on his release entitled Ng’lamulela in 2011.