SUPERSTAR Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi has matured like wine. Last week he staged the show of a lifetime at the City Sports Centre in Harare where artistes also commemorated Sulumani Chimbetu’s 29th birthday. Tuku, as he is affectionately known by his legion of fans, has never disappointed in most of his shows. Songs like ‘Rova Ngoma Mutavara’, written by Thomas Mapfumo, ‘Ziwere’ and ‘Dzandimomotera’ appealed to the fans in a show that also featured Willom Tight, Dino Mudondo and Sulumani Chimbetu. Revellers were treated to non-stop katekwe music for more than two hours, defying the cold weather and were kept on their heels on the dance floor. The superstar opened the show with the song ‘Shanda’, the title track of his 2003 album. ‘Akoromoka Awa’, another slow tempo song, followed and fans were mesmerised by the stage antics Mtukudzi displayed. His dances reminded his adoring fans of the yesteryear performances with choreographer and backing vocalist Picky Kasamba, who left the Black Spirits to pursue his own business. The Highfield-born Mtukudzi utilised his two-hour slot from midnight to the early hours of the morning unleashing hit after hit. With his music career dating back to 1977 when he performed with Mapfumo in the Wagon Wheels band, where they did a hit single, ‘Dzandimomotora’, Tuku remains an icon celebrated by many Zimbabweans. He has recorded more than 50 albums to date and his music has earned him accolades internationally. The KORA award-winner has collaborated with various local and regional artistes in this 34-year career among them Sulumani Chimbetu, EXQ, Fungisayi Zvakavapano- Mashavave and South African-based artistes Steve Dyer and Ringo Madhlingozi. With his acoustic guitar, Tuku has demonstrated his skill both as a guitarist and vocalist. He claims his birth cry was his first song on September 22 in 1952. His ability to compose songs, fuse traditional and modern-day instruments have earned Tuku credit. His contributions in nurturing talent earned him an award last year from the University of Zimbabwe while the International Council of Africana Womanism (ICAW) recognised his luminary role in uplifting African women through his artistic work — music and a diversity of art forms — offered as community development at his arts academy at Pakare Paye in Norton. A number of successful artistes have passed through his tutelage. Celebrating his 29th birthday, an elegantly dressed ‘Sulu’, as he is known by his fans, demonstrated his maturity with the microphone and guitar. His duet with Tuku was a marvel to watch. Songs composed by his father including ‘Ndarangarira Gamba’, ‘One Way’ and some from his latest offering kept the audience on their feet. Performances by Willom and Dino were also super as the duo lit the stage before Tuku and Sulu. They put up a splendid performance with their hit songs ‘Ndinoda Wangu’ and ‘Chirangano’ among others. Last weekend’s show by local artistes was held a day before the show by international artistes including Ciara and Fat Joe at the Borrowdale Race Course. Most music fans who thronged the City Sports Centre said it was crucial for Zimbabweans to support their local artistes and celebrate their achievements as Zimbabweans.