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Blessings Chidakwa–Arts Reporter

Bryn Taurai Mteki, popularly known as “Sekurutau” is a larger than life character who only appears when it simply suits him best.

Others know him as a sculptor, others as musician and others as a politician (a presidential candidate for that matter).

So, when you talk to him you better know which Sekurutau you are talking to; the politician, the sculptor or musician? To make things simple, let him start the conversation then you know which Sekurutau you are talking to. He is very particular about the spelling of his name, surname and sobriquet. 

Now the man with the booming voice is back in the music showbizz after a long hiatus and he has lined up shows under the banner, The Return of Sekurutau, starting tonight.

The voice is still there, the lyrics superb and the energy abound.

Almost two decades ago, 2003 to be precise, the sculptor-cum-musician somehow vanished from the music scene, after his famous Chimurenga lyrics in the songs “Norah” and “Zimbabwe” and “Ivhu Nderedu”, where his booming voice was a marvel for fans. That powerful voice is unmistakable on “Zimbabwe”, “Norah”, “Minda Tirime”, and “Mwana Wevhu”.

He quickly jumped off the political arena and retraced his musical steps, only to release a gospel album, “Pfugama Unamate”.

In 2018, it was still almost like a same script for Sekurutau who traded the microphone for politics again contesting as a presidential candidate.

Today he is back to the music scene with an album on cards.

Probably, this time around he is back for good, of course to do what he knows best, singing.

His past works in the music circles speak for themselves, talk of his duet with the late national hero Elliot Manyika on the song “Nora”h, that propelled him to stardom.

Even the 2003 album “Pfugama Unamate” was a success.

In an interview yesterday, Sekurutau said a new album was in pipeline anytime soon with a single track expected this month.

“We have been quiet it was due to my commitment of late. I had temporarily quit full-time music because of politics in terms of my presidential aspirations.

“However, I was recording music behind the scenes as I had some collaborations and recordings which were happening. I have got a new album coming up which is my 10th now,” he said. 

Sekurutau said works for the new project are in pipeline. 

“It has already been recorded and maybe I will be releasing a single anytime this month as a build up to the new launch. Fans can expect good music. It is now mature music we promise them great vibes,.

Although his ways of doing things seem to be the same, Sekurutau believes his music is always changing.

“For me it is like arts, it is dynamics of life. It keeps on changing we always try to become creative. 

“The music is becoming mature as I become also mature with music myself. The music is sounding purely mature.” 

Sekurutau said has embarked on a nationwide tour with various lined up shows up until the festive season.

He said as a selfless artiste, he is willing to work with fellow progressive cadres given a chance.

“I have been an ambassador for Zimbabwe in terms of my artistic positions. Anything to do with arts and culture, music I am willing to work with anyone be it from Zimbabwe or internationally. 

“Hence the need of collaborations we have been working with some people in and outside Zimbabwe. I am seeing a big light at the end of the tunnel in terms of pushing our Zimbabwean music further,. 

Sekurutau said various collaborations were done and others on cards with some of the seasons artistes including local and regional ones.

“My team is marketing the music employing new strategies in terms of new platforms as social media. The old usual ways of selling hard copies at our live shows will also continue,.

Sekurutau boasts of being one of the greatest musicians to emerge from Zimbabwe.

“Not that I am over-confident, but I think working with other people enlightened me to prove myself. I would like to work with anyone as I am doing right away.”

Sekurutau said his last project was a collaboration of his music from the previous recordings called Makarekare. 

“It was well received. It was collection of my greatest hits before the one called ‘Vadzoka’ that was when I came back from the overseas.”

Apart from music, Sekurutau’s sculptures are dotted across the world. 

He 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, South Africa Spain, the US and Canada.

Sekurutau giant 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 permanently at the National Sports Stadium next to the Games Flame.