adminmonth-long world tour.
The two superstars — with a combined 80 years in the music industry — will perform in only their third concert together in more than 20 years in London on Friday, March 15, and Leicester on Saturday, March 16.
Speaking soon after arrival in London yesterday, Mapfumo said: “We’ve been preparing for this tour for several weeks. We want to give our fans something they will have in their memories for a lifetime.
“Oliver is my brother, we started this way back and I always treasure the opportunity to share the stage with him. I know he’ll be working as hard as I’m to make this special.”
Mtukudzi’s manager Sam Mataure said: “If you love Zimbabwean music, this is the go-to show without a doubt.
“For many, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these two perform, no wonder the promoters have called it the ‘History Tour’.”
Mataure said feedback from fans had been “overwhelming” since the tour was announced in February.
Taurai Cheteni, a spokesman for the promoters Icons of Africa, said they expected at least 4 000 fans to watch the two superstars perform over the two nights.
“We’ve gone for quality venues to make the experience memorable for those privileged to attend. You can’t speak enough of the quality of these two stars. It’s a rare treat for Zimbabwean music fans and I’m honoured to be associated with it,” Sibanda said by telephone from England on Monday.
Friday night’s opening gig will be staged at the Coronet Theatre in Elephant and Castle, with a capacity of 2 600, while Saturday night’s show takes place at the majestic Athena in the heart of Leicester, which can hold 2 500 people. Ticket sales have been brisk, Sibanda said.
Mapfumo, 68, and Mtukudzi, 61, last toured the UK together in 2009 when they were disrupted by the closure of one of the venues in Aston by health and safety officers hours before they were due to perform. — Herald Reporter/newzimbabwe.com
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