Chimurenga meets Katekwe

Festival to be held in the Free State tomorrow and those who know the energy that these artistes exude through their music know what to expect at the gig.
MUSIC legends Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi will perform back-to-back concerts in South Africa this weekend.
The two granddads of Zimbabwean music will perform one set each and thereafter share the stage on a couple of yet-to-be released duets.

The potentially explosive gig will not only appeal to Zimbabweans living across the Limpopo, but also to a wider crossover audience.
In fact, most South Africans relate to Zimbabwean music through Mukanya and Tuku to the extent that the lined up gigs will feel a lot like homeground shows.
The concerts come a few months after the United States-based Chimurenga music icon made a surprise appearance at the launch of Tuku’s compilation album titled “Abi’angu – Duets of My Time” in South Africa.

The long-time buddies – arguably Zimbabwe’s top-ranking musicians for years – will collaborate on stage during the Macufe Festival to be held in the Free State tomorrow and those who know the energy that these artistes exude through their music know what to expect at the gig.
The self-exiled dreadlocked Mukanya will again partner with Tuku at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg on Sunday for yet another gig.

Mukanya has a new album, “Exile”, which is on the market in Zimbabwe, although he has not set foot on home soil since 2004.
The chimurenga music legend also has a string of hit albums like “Chimurenga Explosion” and “Rebel”, among others.
Born in 1945 in Marondera, Mapfumo’s passion for music started when he was in high school when he joined the Zutu Brothers.
Inspired by musicians of his time like Elvis Presley, Otis Redding and The Rolling Stones, he later founded the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band singing traditional music.

With the Acid Band he became famous with the album “Hokoyo”.
Tuku, on the other hand, is an epitome of musical greatness and a legend par excellence.
He made waves with his albums like “Shanda”, “Nhava”, “Dairai” and “Paivepo” which sold well.