adminLovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, so goes the old adage. And for those who thronged Book Cafe on Tuesday night can truly attest to that dub poets, writers, musicians, Albert Nyathi and Chirikure Chirikure have traversed the long journey.
Being the pioneers of Zimbabwean professional performance poetry, the duo combined their creative genius to record a sizzling album titled “Connected”.
Pregnant with educative, entertaining lyrics the album cuts across ethnicity and religions as these two artistes explore a number of issues including time management, water and electricity woes that many people are encountering.
With both artists turning 52 years this year their album is a toast to maturity, longevity and experience connecting them agewise, culturally and pioneering in the entertainment circles.
Delivering their original and innovative poetry in Shona, Ndebele and English backed by guitars, penny whistles, percussion and harmonies the duo gave revellers a good time.
The album features a wide range of musical flavours, paying homage to the breadth of the Zimbabwean cultural landscape and is a full package meant to satisfy the body and soul.
Clad in his traditional attire, Nyathi opened up the show leading in the track “Kudala/ Makare-Kare” and was complemented by Chirikure who was donning designer white attire.
During the show the two artistes could throw some punch line jokes to the delight of the audience and sealed their performance with a poem each.
Chirikure delivered his rib cracking poem penned in the 80s titled “Kanyanisa” while the energetic Nyathi drew the crowd’s attention with “My Daughter” and “Shakespeare”.
Officially launching the album, Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust director Farai Mupfunya spoke at length of the two artistes and their contributions in shaping the country’s poetry landscape.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari also spoke glowingly of his relationship with his two companions dating to their school days. The launch was attended by a number of prominent figures, artistes and poetry lovers.
Online Reporter