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Veteran musician Bryan Taurai Mteki, popularly known as Sekurutau, is celebrating friendship, African identity and the enduring bonds between the living and the departed in his latest album, Sahwira Mukuru, which marks his return to the music scene with a deeply personal collection of songs.
The album marks a major milestone in his career, drawing inspiration from traditional African values, the loss of his mother and his desire to reconnect with fans after years away from Zimbabwe’s live music circuit.
For Sekurutau, the album is more than a comeback project. It is a tribute to the people who shape our lives, the cultural heritage that defines us and the friendships that remain significant even when loved ones depart.
“The album is called Sahwira Mukuru because I am celebrating friendship, honouring my late mother and embracing my African roots through music,” he said.
“Sahwira Mukuru honours masahwira makuru, because we need them at the end of time when we depart from this world. It is a celebration of friendship, love, faith, life after life and African identity.”
The musician said each song carries a distinct message, giving the album a personal and cultural dimension.
Amai Hwee is dedicated to his late mother, Tabeth Elizabeth Chikwenya, whose memory continues to occupy a special place in his heart.
Another track, Rugare Rwauya, encourages people to embrace life and enjoy its blessings, while Musikavanhu expresses gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of life.
Svaa Makudo, meanwhile, seeks to reconnect younger generations with their cultural heritage, while Rovambira celebrates the musician’s African musical roots and introduces what he describes as a new Rovambira dance.
Despite the cultural influences running through the project, Mteki is keen to distinguish his sound from chimurenga, a genre closely associated with the music of Thomas Mapfumo.
He said he has always identified his music as African Roots Music and wants audiences to understand that distinction.
“I christened my music African Roots Music from the beginning, but surprisingly, people often confuse it with chimurenga,” he said.
“Chimurenga music, from my own understanding, relates to Thomas Mapfumo back then during the liberation struggle when the music was created. Therefore, I have to make it categorically clear that I have no association whatsoever with chimurenga music. I am proudly an African Roots musician.”
The veteran musician also revealed that he produced the album himself, continuing a tradition he says has defined his career for almost three decades. “I have always produced my own music for almost 30 years, starting with my first album, Kurauone, back in 2000. Ever since then, I have been producing my own music,” he said.
