Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
SALIF Keita says he is ‘COMING HOME.’
The African music legend has personally assured Ecobank Legends Night organiser, Joseph Chinouriri, that he is coming to Zimbabwe.
It ends growing uncertainty among fans who feared his recent cancellation of a South African show could spill over into his Harare appearance.
“I will be there,” Salif Keita told Chinouriri during a telephone conversation, adding that Zimbabwe was his “friend” and “home”.
The statement could not have come at a better time, with anticipation building around the Ecobank Legends Night Africa 2.0, which is scheduled for September 26 at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare.
For fans, Salif Keita’s assurance is particularly significant following his decision last month to cancel his planned South African performances after the recent xenophobic attacks in that country.
The cancellation immediately raised questions among Zimbabweans, with some wondering whether the Malian superstar would reconsider his regional commitments.
But Chinouriri says there is no need for panic.
“He said Zimbabwe is his friend, Zimbabwe is his home and he will be there,” Chinouriri said.
“That was very reassuring for us because we know what happened in South Africa and we understand why people would have questions.
“But Salif was very clear with me that he is coming to Zimbabwe.”
Salif Keita’s decision to go ahead with the Harare show has injected fresh excitement into a concert that has steadily been gathering momentum.
The Golden Voice of Africa will headline a powerful line-up featuring Zimbabwean music giants Alick Macheso, Cool Crooners, Leonard Zhakata, Sandra Ndebele, Albert Nyathi and InTotal Band providing the backing.
It is a line-up designed to bring different generations of African music lovers under one roof.
“Legends Night is growing and this year we wanted to take it to another level,” Chinouriri said.
“Having Salif Keita alongside our own legends such as Macheso, Zhakata, Albert Nyathi and Yondo Sister is something special.
“These are artists who have created music that has survived generations.”
Salif Keita is no stranger to Zimbabwean audiences.
His confirmation also comes at a crucial moment for the Legends Night brand, which has been building a reputation around celebrating veteran musicians and giving audiences an opportunity to experience their music in a live setting.
But while the music fraternity counts down to the big night, another drama has been playing out in the background.
The InTotal Band, which has become closely associated with the Legends Night concept through its interpretations of music by Zimbabwean legends, has found itself at the centre of a growing copyright storm.
The debate has intensified over whether cover bands should pay royalties when commercially performing songs belonging to other musicians and whether event organisers have secured the necessary permissions.
The issue was recently thrust into the spotlight after the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association clarified that a US$150 cover-band licence being discussed publicly was for a specific event and did not amount to blanket permission for future performances, recordings or other commercial exploitation.
Chinouriri, however, says the organisers are focused on putting on a professionally-run show while recognising the importance of copyright conversations, within the music industry.
“Copyright is important. We respect musicians and the work they have put into their music,” he said.
“But Legends Night is about celebrating that music.
“We want people to come and enjoy the musicians they grew up listening to, while ensuring that the necessary processes are followed.”
