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Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
BRYN TAURAI MTEKI, popularly known as Sekuru Tau (pictured below), made a name for himself during the turn of the millennium when he became a permanent feature on local television through his songs. At his peak, he was a sculptor, a musician and politician all rolled  into one.
His duet with the late Elliot Manyika on the song “Nora”, catapulted him to stardom.
His stone works are dotted around the world. He has held exhibitions in Europe, the United States, South Africa and is currently in Germany where he is showcasing an array of his works.

In 2003, he surprised everyone when he pulled out of Zanu-PF primaries, a decision he said was meant to pave way for Cde Joseph Chinotimba.

“For the record, I didn’t lose the election to anyone, but I paved way for Cde Chinotimba due to the tight schedules I had regarding my work.
“I had several exhibitions lined up that I could not ignore.

“I thought seriously about it and it dawned on me that I needed to concentrate on my work. Plans to get into politics? Well, I can’t really say Yes or No. The people would have to decide if they want me to represent them, as was the case in 2003,” he said in an interview in 2011.
As if it was not enough, the musician surprised his fans in the same year by releasing a gospel album “Pfugama Unamate”, which he said was a plea to people to turn to God when faced with difficulties.

The album had touching songs on Christians’ way of life and his plea to God.
The sculptor-cum-musician has been quiet for some time and Herald Entertainment tracked him down to find what he has been up to.
“Sekuru Tau is currently out of the country. He is in Germany where he is exhibiting his work.

“These days he is taking sculpture more seriously than music,” said the relative who answered his phone.
On his Facebook account, Mteki is running a company called Mteki World Art (Private) Limited, a company he said helps him to promote his works.

The company has offices in Harare and Germany.
He has since roped in his wife Patience Anne Mteki to be a sculptor.

“I am currently in Germany and I am busy at the moment. I am concentrating on my exhibition. I will be in Zimbabwe soon,” said Mteki without replying other social media messages.

While Mteki’s absence on the public scene has been conspicuous, it seems he is still pursuing sculpture seriously.
However, his music seems to have waned over the years. Though his music sounds the same with Chimurenga music, he maintains that his music is called African Roots.

Mteki joins notable musicians who tried to copy Thomas Mapfumo’s style of music without much success.Other musicians who have tried are Pio Farai Macheka and Raymond Majongwe.

Born in 1975, Sekuru Tau is the son of renowned sculptor Richard Mteki and was trained by him to sculpt.
Sculpting runs in the family as his uncle Boira Mteki, is also one of the top-ranked and first generation of Zimbabwean artists to be recognised worldwide.

Mteki became a full-time artist when he completed his O-Levels. His works were displayed at Zimbabwe Heritage Exhibition in 1992. He was the youngest artist to have his sculptures selected out of work received country wide.

Unlike his father, Bryn explores much more contemporary subjects of conversation, relation, love society and others without really ignoring his spiritual beliefs which he says plays a big part in his work.

He presented “Honoured Good Leader” to President Mugabe at his 71st Birthday in February 1995.
In April 1996, he also donated a piece called “Child Survival” to President Mugabe when he officially opened the exhibition which was dubbed “Celebration of Women”, in memory of Amai Sally Mugabe

He has participated in local and international exhibitions and his works has found space in private collection and galleries in countries such as the UK, Russia,  Belgium, Japan, Australia, Norway, Germany Spain, USA and Canada.

His giant huge sculpture titled “Chippi” appeared during the Sixth All Africa Games hosted in Zimbabwe in 1995.
It was the Games mascot which stood 2,5 metres high and is now at the National Sports Stadium next to the Games Flame, as a permanent collection .