SUPERSTAR Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi’s participation at the ‘Tuku and Friends’ concert to be held next week at Andy Millar Hall in Harare is a worthy move that other renowned musicians must emulate.
The show which is part of the Harare International Carnival will see numerous local musicians including upcoming artistes sharing the stage with the legendary Mtukudzi.
There is no doubt that Tuku is one of the best musicians that Zimbabwe has ever produced and the ‘Tuku and Friends’ concert is a reflection of an artiste concerned about the development of the music industry in the country.
The promoter of the show, Josh Hozheri, said the upcoming concert was crucial in that it brings together Zimbabwean artistes.
“The concert will feature our very own various Zimbabwe artistes who will share the same stage with Mtukudzi,” he said.
With more than 60 albums to his name, Tuku has remained on top of his game.
He has won many awards and his music is still on demand.
But then what is the force behind Tuku’s success?
His history in the music industry is that of a dedicated man who entered the industry with goals to achieve.
He is a musician par excellence who has used music not only to entertain, but to inspire, guide and teach life lessons to different age groups in society.
The ‘Tuku and friends’ concert, shows the efforts that Mtukudzi has continued to make in a bid to assist local upcoming artistes.
Unlike Thomas Mapfumo who is on self-imposed exile, Tuku is unique in that he appreciates the age difference between him and upcoming artistes and is willing to assist them.
Mapfumo on the other hand ridicules youthful artistes calling their music bubble-gum music.
Mtukudzi’s solo career can be traced back to 1979 when he formed his own band The Black Spirits.
His journey highlights a talented musician who used music to be the mirror of society as he sings about issues that deal with the family, domestic violence, marriage, child abuse and farming, among others.
The legend he is, Tuku avoids denouncing the work of fellow musicians and instead collaborates with some of them regardless of genres.
Examples are his collaborations with musicians such as Enock Munhenga (EX Q), Sulumani Chimbetu, Mathias Mhere and Fungisayi Zvakavapano-Mashavave.
His efforts in assisting local artistes are also reflected in the establishment of Pakare Paye Arts Centre in 2003 in the dormitory town of Norton.
The institution is a centre which Mtukudzi uses to nurture, scout and groom young talent in artistic activities that include music, dance, drama, poetry and story-telling.
Many today enjoy the music of Munya Mataruse,a product of Pakare Paye.
Tuku’s band the Black Spirits cannot go unmentioned as a nurturing ground for different artistes including the likes of Charles Chipanga and Clive Mono Mukundu.
Renowned producer, Munya Viali is also a member of the Black Spirits.
“I am a keyboard player kwamdara Tuku, but I also get the chance of being a producer,” said Viali.
There is no doubt that Mtukudzi will go down in history as a mentor to many artistes in the country.
The ‘Tuku and Fiends’ concert will be graced by different artistes that include Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Peter Moyo, Sulumani Chimbetu, Soul Jah Love, Seh Calaz, Killer T and Judgement Yard among others.