Mtukudzi’s album release deferred

Tawanda Marwizi : Arts Correspondent

“That was deliberate because he was against the announcement. The album is yet to be finished and June is just a nightmare.” Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi’s much awaited album “Ehe Nhai Yahwe” will not be released in June as previously announced, The Herald Entertainment has learnt. According to adverts of a gig dubbed “Africa Day” concert the album was scheduled for release on June 6.Almost a week after the scheduled launch, the Tuku camp has not said anything about the launch.

Sources said the musician deliberately left out the new songs at HICC as a warning that the album will not be released this month.

“That was deliberate because he was against the announcement.

“The album is yet to be finished and June is just a nightmare,” said the source.

The announcement of the date came from representatives of the Tuku Music, as part of their marketing strategies to market Alick Macheso and Tuku show held in Harare on the eve of Africa Day. Tuku Music is a group of people that organises local shows for the icon.

“That was just a marketing strategy for the gig but it seems their fans are demanding an explanation following their failure to launch it on the announced date,” said the source.

Mtukudzi’s manager Sam Mataure yesterday said the date for the album release was not an issue at the moment.

“That is not an issue to write about at the moment because that is something else,” he said.

Pressed further Mataure confirmed they were not releasing an album this month.

“We are still in the studio now and for us to talk about any release in June would be a lie,” he said.

Some fans yesterday took the social media questioning when the artiste would release his album. One Taurai Baze questioned when the musician would release his album.

“So Mtukudzi promised us to release his album on June 6 according to adverts towards Africa Day show but now they are quiet not even an explanation to us,” said a disgruntled fan.

Others blasted the musician for failing to explain it to the public. Efforts to get comment from the representatives of Tuku Music were fruitless.