Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SELMOR Mtukudzi has revealed Zexie Manatsa’s final song— just a few minutes before he died three years ago.
Manatsa died on January 20, 2022, after losing his battle with cancer.
Selmor said it was a song which Manatsa penned with the Chimurenga music legend.
Selmor shared the stage with Mukanya during his UK farewell show in Birmingham on Saturday night.
She told H-Metro:
“Last night was amazing, sharing the stage with Dr Mapfumo was such an honour.
“I got to share with him how my father-in-law, Zexie Manatsa, was talking about him during his last minutes of life.
“The whole family was sitting around him in the hospital talking and mudhara started singing a song they wrote together with Dr Thomas back in the day.
“He passed away just about 15 minutes later, surrounded by family. I was pleased to be able to share the story with Dr. Mapfumo.”
Mukanya’s nephew, Kurai Makore, who also shared the stage with his uncle on Saturday, said the Chimurenga music legend will bring the curtain down on his musical career with two shows in South Africa and Harare this year.
“I have spoken to him about his retirement plans but it will be a difficult decision for him considering that music has become his lifestyle,” said Makore.
“It’s like quitting journalism, which would be a difficult decision.
“Mukanya has lined up another show in South Africa before he comes to Zimbabwe to bid farewell to his fans on home turf.”
Makore saluted Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom for their loyalty.
“The Zimbabwean spirit was exhibited at this particular show. I didn’t know that Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom are united and that unity has been enhanced by good music.
“I felt like I was home with Shona speakers in the auditorium.”
Makore was also happy that promoters are now seeking his services.
“I had a great chance to meet arts promoters in the United Kingdom looking for my services.
“We are still at the negotiating table and, if all goes accordingly, I might return here before the year ends or early next year.
“It feels like a miracle considering that I was a nonentity three years ago.”
He added:
“I have learnt to take my job seriously and build on the successful show we had in Birmingham. When I come back to Zimbabwe, I will also share some insights we acquired in the United Kingdom with my band members.
“At the Black Lions camp, we believe in teamwork and that was exhibited in the United Kingdom, where fans showed up in numbers.”
