Bra Hugh shines at Tuku dinner

Lifestyle Writer
South African music icon Hugh Masekela on Thursday got a standing ovation at a dinner held in honour of Zimbabwe’s own legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi where he called for the restoration of African heritage.Masekela or simply Bra Hugh to his fans said it was now time for Africans to take pride in themselves.

“When our children are asked who they are we don’t want them to say ‘We used to be Africans long ago’’ . . . Africans have become consumers instead of sellers and restoration becomes a priority,” he said to wild applause.

Bra Hugh, who was the special guest at the dinner, also wished Tuku many returns for turning 61 on September 22.
“You are 61 but I say you are 161 and you are turning to be a teenager. Aunty Daisy (Tuku’s wife) keep him strong and healthy and Gods of Africa should keep his dream alive and your vision is going to be realised when we achieve everything that we are after,” he said.

Bra Hugh, who was first brought to Zimbabwe by the the late Job Kadengu, heaped praises on Tuku describing him as brother, friend and colleague.
“Job Kadengu was a wonderful person and he was the first person to bring me to Zimbabwe in 1982. I remember it was Kadengu who introduced me to Oliver while we were in Bulawayo and The Black Spirits for the first time. I was mesmerised by the magical tunes of Oliver.

“He is an epitome of life and patience . . . a very astute businessman, dancer, one hell of a guitar player and a wonderful and friendly man,” he said.
A number of people who worked with Tuku took the podium and ran out of superlatives to describe Tuku, the man of song.

Theatre guru Daves Guzha, former manager Debbie Metcalfes, Ammara Brown, Suluman Chimbetu and Alick Macheso spoke glowingly about Tuku.
Josh Hozheri, who spoke on behalf of other promoters, said Tuku’s humility was one of his greatest feats.

“We want to pay tribute to the man of global talent and unparalleled humility, a musicians par excellence and rare talent all rolled into one. As promoters it is always a joy to work with Tuku, a man with a passion not only in music but in all the arts,” he said.

Among the guests who attended the dinner were Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri and his wife, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri, fellow musicians Alick Macheso Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Steve Makoni and Prayer Soul, among others as well as FBC Bank staff.