Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SWEDEN-BASED storyteller, musician and cultural ambassador Luckson “Manluckerz” Chikutu is elated after being nominated for the 24th National Arts Merit Awards ceremony.
ManLuckerz is vying for the Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora category, competing against Bhekinkosi Mabhena, also known as DJ Nitefreak, a music producer working in France and Spain, as well as Chrispen Nyathi, a filmmaker based in South Africa.
The awards ceremony takes place at the Harare International Conference Centre on February 28 under the theme “Fearless Creativity,” courtesy of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
In an interview from his base in Uppsala, Sweden, the Gutu-bred cultural icon, who has made his mark overseas for a quarter of a century, believes that the nomination is a significant honour in itself.
“I have been living here for the past 26 years, and I now regard Sweden as my second home because I have been embraced here,” he shared.
“Being accepted in a foreign land is not easy, as such opportunities hardly come and can be fully utilised. I have done a lot for my country as a writer, storyteller, dance instructor, and musician. I have always wanted to fully represent my country, and I am glad that I am also being recognised by organisations like the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe that are running the Namas.”
ManLuckerz, who has collaborated with foreign nationals, told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he is ready to continue representing Zimbabwe with pride.
“Being a cultural ambassador comes with a lot of responsibilities, and I am glad that I am just playing my part. There are people who now understand Zimbabwe’s way of life through my craft, and I strongly believe I now have a responsibility to continue representing my country with pride. I am someone who doesn’t speak ill of my country because there is a lot to treasure in Zimbabwe. To me, Zimbabwe is more than a jewel, and I fully respect my country wholeheartedly.”
The revered author firmly believes that authenticity has made him unique and likable.
“I have always thrived on originality, which has made me unique. I have also wanted to emulate the likes of Thomas Mapfumo and the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, who made it to the top through originality.
The late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and living legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo deserve all the credit for popularising Zimbabwean music. Of course, there are other stars like Mbuya Stella Chiweshe who have always been original. The pair made it to the top through originality, which still remains their biggest secret. I will always cherish them for putting us on the world map. Now that I am vying for the big gong, winning will be a bonus, while the nomination is a triumph in itself,” he stressed.
After settling in this Scandinavian nation and being embraced by the local community, ManLuckerz noted that his success would be meaningless without acknowledging his overseas fans.
“I can’t thank my fans enough for believing in my dream and vision. Here, overseas fans value originality, and I am doing my best to ensure that I give them the best I can. As a creative, you can only succeed through originality, and I will always maintain that for years to come.”
The Gutu-bred singer, who married a Swede in 1999, expressed his excitement at being welcomed in Uppsala, a city near Stockholm renowned for Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century.
“In Sweden, I’m receiving fantastic care. I have had excellent treatment ever since I arrived, so I have no complaints,” he emphasised.
ManLuckerz, who has settled well overseas, has also shared valuable insights with local traditional groups seeking recognition.
“I perform here regularly because I value concentration, self-control, deference, perseverance, honesty and teamwork with other artists, which helps their work gain exposure.”
To date, he has performed at prestigious events overseas, including the Parksnäckan Festival, Fisksätra Festival, Galen Festival, Gränby Festival, Kulturnatten Festival, and more.
He also received an African Recognition Award in 2018. He went on to write a book titled “FlashBack Identity,” chronicling Zimbabwe’s rich cultural values.
With the backing of his wife Stina, ManLuckerz believes he still has more to offer Zimbabwe as a cultural ambassador.
Back home, he also performed at the Harare International Festival of Arts in 1998, which opened new doors for him. Supported by the Zim-Traditional Unity, ManLuckerz is living his dream overseas.
To enhance his profile, ManLuckerz studied Music Business at the SAE Institute of Technology from 2011 to 2014.
In 2012, he invited the late Andy Brown to participate in the ZIMFEBI music exchange programme.
In 2017, he successfully published his first book, FlashBack Identitet, in Swedish. In 2019, he also published the book in English, titled “FlashBack Identity.” The book is available from all Swedish book publishers as well as online.
To date, he has released seven albums from 2001 to 2023, including “Macharangwanda-Remain”, “Pandiri-Where I Am,” “Jesina-Madhinga,” “Gutu-My Roots,” “Amai-naBaba Molly,” “Ndundu-Madhaiza,” and “Rongeka-Be Organised.”
