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Oliver Mtukudzi and Ladysmith Black Mambazo work their magic in the studio recently

Entertainment Reporter
Oliver Mtukudzi and Joseph Shabalala, founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, first met as young men in 1978 and have admired each other’s music since then. Last week, they were in studio in Durban, making magic as they recorded their first ever collaboration. The duo had long decided to do a rendition of Tuku’s internationally famous “Neria” together.

“We have performed together at many events and festivals,” said Tuku during a break in their recording, “but that wasn’t it. I wanted to do something with you and finally it has happened.”

Shabalala, who has not performing for quite a while, made a special effort to come and be a part of the “Neria” recording, said he was moved to be able to work with Tuku.

“I love this type of music,” he said, pausing to sing a few verses of the ever popular “Neria”, before continuing, “Wow, it’s touching man!”
Tuku talked about the significance of the song.

“When I first wrote the song in 1990 the issue of women having to struggle with relatives trying to possess their property after the death of a husband was pertinent in Zimbabwe. Today, over 20 years later, women still struggle with the same issue,” he said.
“Yes, definitely, people must write wills, but out of respect, relatives must support widows, rather than fight for their possessions.

“What we’ve found is that even in South Africa and elsewhere around Africa, women have similar problems so the song resonated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as well.”

Tuku’s studio date with the four-time Grammy winners is part of his next big Tuku and friends project titled “Abi’angu II”.
This follows his first collaboration album, “Abi’angu”,  released in 2011.

“Abi’angu II” will also feature Hugh Masekela, Salif Keita, Kunle Ayo, Alick Macheso, Ammara Brown and Gary Tight.
About a fortnight ago Tuku was in the studio in Johannesburg recording with Ayo.

The word “abi’angu” is from the Kore Kore dialect of the Shona language and means “my friends”.
Both Shabalala and Tuku share values of peace and unity.

In 2008, Shabalala, in a statement said: “Ladysmith Black Mambazo must continue as the message of Peace, Love and Harmony must never be silenced.”

In August this year, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will travel to Harare for the first live performance of their version of “Neria” with Tuku.