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Oliver Mtukudzi

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Oliver Mtukudzi is set to reunite with former Black Spirits band members at his tribute concert scheduled for this Friday at the Harare International Conference Centre.United States-based vocalists Mary Bell and her husband Samson Fero, vocalist Dudu Manhenga, keyboardist Jairos Hambahamba lead guitarist Clive “Mono” Mukundu and vocalist/percussionist Piki Kasamba, often  called Tuku’s side-kick, will have another dance on stage at the gig.

“We would have loved to include as many artistes as we could but there is another gig coming in December where we are going to make sure everyone is there.

“At this stage Mudhara (Tuku) is extremely happy that people will be paying homage to him while he is still alive. As we speak, Tuku’s former manager, Debbie Metcalfe, is already here because we felt the tribute concert wouldn’t be complete without her,” Sam Mataure, Tuku’s manager, said.

This is probably the biggest line-up since last year’s Tuku@60 Bash held at the Glamis Arena. The gig, organised by the Harare Jazz Festival in conjunction with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, will be divided into two sets, one of them featuring young Zimbabwean musicians.

The line-up includes Ammara Brown, Prayer Soul, Tariro neGitare, Cynthia Mare, Alexio Kawara, Qourtney Rusike, Tinashe Masawi, BaShupi, Jean Masters, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Tehn Diamond and Junior Brown.

According to Mataure, Munya Mataruse – a product of Pakare Paye Arts Centre – will play a key role during the first set where he is expected to lead the other young musicians.

“Munya will act as Mudhara in the tribute concert for the reason that he is a student from Pakare Paye and since Sam Mtukudzi is late, we thought it was befitting for Munya to take that role,” Mataure said.

He said all the performing artistes would be backed by one band on the night. The musicians will perform all of Tuku’s songs. Appearing for the second set will be Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Victor Kunonga, Beritta Khumalo, Suzanna Owiyo, Eric Wainaina, Hugh Masekela, Albert Nyathi, Judith Sephuma, Bob Nyabinde, Steve Dyer and Keith Fahquarson.

Asked why Tuku and Macheso had not done a song together, Mataure said it was still in the pipeline.
“Well, it is coming. Some things take time but soon you will know about the duet.”

Tuku, who is one of the granddads of Zimbabwean music, turned 61 at the weekend. And per tradition he celebrates his birthday with a host of other musicians, friends and family through song and dance.

Tuku’s songs don’t carry explicit political messages, but he makes it easy to read between the lines. However, his quest to stay above politics is one reason he appeals to a wider crossover audience.

“My music is one of the very few things that Zimbabweans share equally, no matter where you come from, what colour you are, what tastes you have or what party you support,” he once told New York Times.