Tuku launches 59th album

Conference Centre over the weekend.
The 59th album, which is a great accomplishment will see Tuku, as his fans fondly call him, turning 59 this year in September.
But the album launch was something special as scores of music fans turned up including musicians Selmor and her husband Tendai Manatsa as well as Sulumani Chimbetu sharing the stage. It was a launch befitting Tuku’s superstar status and probably the highlight was when Tuku churned out songs that fans were already familiar with.
Tuku was forced to redo most of the songs after some of the tracks were leaked to pirates and partly because he wanted to give “Cheziya”, his late son Sam Mtukudzi’s posthumous album ample time on the market.
And the reworked album is a sure-fire hit.
The album is laden with social commentary and it reflects on Tuku’s great artistry, which he has mastered over the years.
His fans know that Tuku is subtle, witty and crafty when it comes to penning songs.
He hits hard but the message is relevant to everyone not just an individual and perhaps this has guaranteed his longevity in the business.
It opens with “Pfimbika” which urges people to save and plan for a better future. It goes “Rega kukanga kukanga mhodzi yembeu”
The second song “Wabarira Vamwe” is a midtempo headnodder with a real life situation.
At times when you give advice to your child it benefits even those from the next door. But what is surprising is that at times your own children fails to take the advice while other children use it for their own good.
On “Mukana” is what I would call the life-affirming soul anthem. It is about the constitution and what a perfect timing for the track since Zimbabwe is currently drafting its constitution.
He says the constitution is by the people and for the people. He refers to Moses in the Bible who was given the 10 Commandments.
“Pasi Njere” a truly hand-clapper is about a man who is full of regrets and clueless. The man no longer has ideas on how to solve his problems and in the end he admits that he has failed.
The hook goes like: “Murume mukuru kuronga kwaramba, ndapoira ndapoira.”
“Going on . . . what?” This is sort of last song in which a husband is worried by another man who keeps on calling his wife. It’s really a nice laid back hit which you sing along rather dance to the beat.
Levels are changed on the track called “Unaye” and you don’t have to be a fan to love the track because it talks to everyone. The story is that when you go to the so-called prophets, n’anga’s or faith healers usually you tend believe it when they say what you want to hear. And yet when you are told what you don’t want to hear you dismiss it. The chorus goes like: “N’anga inoona ndiyo yareva zvaunoda, yangoreva nezvausingade woti haione.”
“Yekunwa” is a request to God for the rains while “Rangu Jana”, arguably the slowest track on the album.
“Maiwe Pidigu” is a danceable track from the good old days and the song is a staple at Tuku’s live shows. And fans just love it when he talks about the “sahwira”. The track is bouncy and the bassline is heavy.
On “Kure Kwazvo”, Tuku reflects on his journey in music business when musicians were perceived as none achievers in life.
Charles Chipanga does magic on the marimba.
“Wamambo Mwana”, well the song is of those old songs from Tuku and the chorus is irresistable especially when he sings the chorus” Tururu, tururu, tururu.”
“Chiro Chakanaka”, is a song that shows the other side of Tuku where he displays his lyrical skills. It’s a nice acappella song which reminds many of apostolic choral groups.
Featured on the album are Never Mpfou on bass, Sam Mataure on drums, mbira/voices Onai Mutizwa, percussion Namatayi Mubariki and Picky Kasamba on vocals. The album was recorded at studio Pakare Paye and published by Tuku Music.