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Oliver Mtukudzi

Arts Reporter
Organisers of Harare Lockdown gig have announced that there will be a special slot dedicated to Oliver Mtukudzi at the show as a way of saluting him for being the country’s arts and culture ambassador over the past 40 years of his career.

The show takes place at Harare International Conference Centre on December 18 and will feature South Africa’s Mafikizolo and Roberto from Zambia as well as Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah and Alexio.

Last Saturday, Mtukudzi held a concert at Pakare Paye Arts Centre to celebrate his 40 years in the industry and thousands of fans thronged the venue to salute the music icon.

Simba Madziva of Simmad Entertainment said they would have a special slot to salute Tuku during the Harare Lockdown gig.

“All the musicians that are coming for the gig have serious respect for Tuku.

“He has inspired some of them and they admire his talent and contribution to the music industry over the past 40 years.

“Jah Prayzah showed his respect at the celebrations at Pakare Paye when he did snippets of Tuku’s songs.

“On December 18, the musicians will have a way of honouring Tuku and we are happy to be hosting this show at a time when the superstar is celebrating his journey in the arts,” said Madziva.

“Jah Prayzah always looks up to Tuku and regularly visits him at Pakare Paye to get advice.

Alexio has many times spoken about how he gets inspiration from the man while the foreign acts have directly or indirectly worked with Tuku.

It will be a special show and a good way to start the festive season.”

It will be the second time for Mafikizolo to perform at the Harare Lockdown gig that has become an annual event that coincides with the weekend when most companies shut down for the festive season.

Tickets to the show are going for $15 and $25.