Chipanga, wife to release album

Namatai” next month with blessings from their mentor Oliver Mtukudzi.
Chipanga, who plays marimba for Tuku’s band, and his wife said they were grateful of the support that the superstar has been giving them on the album.
“That man (Tuku) is like a father to us. There is no father who wouldn’t want his children to do something for themselves. To us, he is not like a boss.
“He gave us his Samanyanga Studio to record some of the tracks on the album,” said Chipanga.
Namatai chipped in, saying Tuku always encourages them to pursue their solo talents and not just confine themselves to being backing vocalists.
“He always tells us not to die as backing vocalists. In fact, we gave him the CD to listen to and he has made some improvements and for that we are very grateful to him,” she said.
Chipanga also paid tribute to the late Sam Mtukudzi, whom he said is featured posthumously on two of the tracks on the album.
“Two of the songs – “Anondivhenekera” and “Muvabatsire” feature the late young music prodigy Sam on saxophone and acoustic guitar,” said Chipanga.
Chipanga said the album, as its title suggests, leans on the gospel side.
“It is a fusion of gospel, jazz with very Zimbabwean traditional influences. As its title suggests, the messages are inspired by God and the wonderful things that He does in our lives,” he said.
The couple tied the knot after falling head over heels in love as members of Tuku’s group.
They have, however, managed to maintain both their work and marital in sync although at first many people were sceptical that this would not last.
The couple recently thrilled multitudes at the just-ended Harare International Festival of the Arts with their scintillating performances.