OLIVER ‘Samanyanga’ Mtukudzi has remained one of the top talented artistes in Zimbabwe and a concert to celebrate his great contribution in the music industry has been pencilled for September 27 2013 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in Harare.

With 61 albums to his name, preparations for a concert dubbed ‘Tribute to Oliver Mtukudzi’ are at an advanced stage.

Both local and international artistes will thrill revellers as they will be paying tribute to a living legend in the music industry.

It is the efforts of Harare Jazz Festival in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe that led to a decision to honour Mtukudzi through a musical concert that will be hosted by FBC Bank.

In a statement, organisers confirmed the venue of the much anticipated concert.

“In order to facilitate the participation of a wider cross section of society in the celebration of Tuku’s life and career achievements, we propose to manage an upmarket concert at HICC,” read part of the statement.

The organisers also said the theme of the concert would be based on Mtukudzi’s greatest hits that made the biggest impact on society.

In organising the show, they seek to stimulate a positive dialogue around how the society can use culture as an agent for positive change.

They also want to inspire society to honour role models and cultural icons during their time.

“On the night, Tuku will perform an all hit concert that will feature some key musical collaborations from his illustrious career,” said the concert organisers.

Tuku will share the stage with some of the biggest stars from Africa that include the duo from Kenya, Erick Wainana and Suzanna Ayiwo, Stewert Sukuma (Mozambique), Hugh Masekela, Judith Sephuma and Steve Dyer (South Africa).

The tribute concert will also have a special section that will feature the best of Zimbabwe’s emerging musicians.

Each one of them will either perform a rendition of Mtukudzi’s song or will do a duet with the superstar.

These singers include Berita Khumalo, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Alexio Kawara, Tehn Diamond, Junior Brown, Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu, Amara Brown and Munya Matarause, among others.

Oliver Mtukudzi and his band, the Black Spirits, will take the opportunity to thrill fans as they will perform a hit jam that will feature some of the former Black Spirits members who will be unavailable to perform on that night.

Mtukudzi’s music can be traced from the colonial era and it focuses on various social issues, touching people’s hearts in different ways.

During the liberation struggle, Mtukudzi also wrote and sang about the black majority retaining power and their undying hope for freedom.

Through his music, Tuku conveys social and economic messages that affect day-to-day activities of people living in an African society.

Such messages in Tuku’s songs appeal for respect, restraint, tolerance, self-discipline, solidarity and peace.

He is one artiste who has been able to use Shona and yet draws multitudes of fans from Africa and Europe.

His music has taken him to perform internationally on tours, concerts and festivals.

Apart from being recognised internationally, Tuku has managed to share his talent by doing duets with local artistes of different genres.

He has collaborated with upcoming artistes such as Sulumani, Ex Q, Fungisai and Jah Prayzah among others.

By establishing Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, Mtukudzi has opened avenues for young and upcoming artistes.

It is through that centre that aspiring and upcoming artistes develop their talents under the guidance of a specialist in the industry.

Mtukudzi’s music career started at the age of 23 and at 61 years this year, Tuku is still going strong with his career. He has released albums such as Muroyi Ndiani (1979), Africa (1980), Pfambi (1981), Zvauya Sei (1986), Sugar Pie (1988), Son of Africa (1993), Nhava (2005) and Tsimba Itsoka (2007) among others.