Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SWEDEN-BASED traditional musician, Luckson “ManLuckerz” Chikutu, has praised the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo for their contributions to popularising Zimbabwean music abroad.
ManLuckerz, who has been a resident of Uppsala for 25 years, blends traditional music, dance and storytelling to promote Zimbabwean culture.
“After settling in this Scandinavian nation and being embraced by the local community, he expressed gratitude to Tuku and Mukanya for paving the way for artists like himself.
“In Sweden, there is a strong demand for Zimbabwean music, particularly that of Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi. Additionally, I want to emphasise that there is a growing awareness of Zimbabwean traditional music.
“We are making every effort to share it both live and digitally, striving to spread Zimbabwean culture,” he said.
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 said.
“I perform here regularly because I value concentration, self-control, deference, perseverance, honesty, and teamwork with other artists, which helps their work gain exposure.
“I miss my typical sadza supper, which includes meat from the bones, mazondos, nyemba, nzungu, and sadza rezviyo to strengthen the spine. I also miss my mother, my siblings, and my friends.”
As he wraps up the year, ManLuckerz has expressed his delight in having participated in major festivals, which have changed his appeal and profile.
“To date, I have performed at Couleur Café, Parksnäckan Festival, Fisksätra Festival, Galen Festival, Gränby Festival, Kulturnatten Festival, and more.
“Meeting other artists and sharing my culture on a platform with them is enjoyable. Standing up for your nation while blending your culture with others is empowering. I was able to develop some teamwork skills. As an artist, this cultural exchange taught me to respect others.”
When asked about his achievements ManLuckerz said: “I managed to gather many accomplishments in one place.
“I received an African Recognition Award in 2018. I succeeded in writing my book. I believe that I have established my culture and music. I want things to remain that way and continue on.”
The talented performer, who has also written a book titled “FlashBack Identity,” added: “I’m the type of person who is constantly looking for ways to blend my culture with others through various cultural projects.
“ I want these diverse cultures to have the opportunity to perform their music and engage with new fans and other artists. My goal is to construct a Bridge To Africa (BTA).”
When asked how he ended up in Sweden and married his wife Stina, he said: “Stina is my wife. We met when I first joined the exchange programme in 1999. I returned home and came back to Sweden in early 2000 after participating in that programme.
“SIDA, Studiefræjandet, and the Uppsala theatrical group Tio Fötter organised the exchange programme. We hosted this same group at HIFA in 1998! Thus, by coming together in May 1999, we strengthened our connection. We performed a play called ‘My Roots’ and played some mbira music when we came to Sweden.”
With all the experience gained overseas, ManLuckerz is urging others to remain firm.
“I hope individuals who have a strong desire for success don’t give up. People are motivated to excel in life by their passion. They should think positively and focus on their lives and destinations.
“They should have the freedom to develop their own brand, which helps them achieve their objectives.”
Among his many achievements, ManLuckerz launched ‘Makandire Muzani Music’, a cultural music organisation, in 2001. formed his own band, ManLuckerz And The Zim-Traditional Unity, organised an exchange programme, ZIMFEBI (Zimbabwe International Music Festival Bira) as well as publishing a book, FlashBack Identitet, in Swedish in 2017, and in English, FlashBack Identity! in 2019. To date, he has released seven albums from 2001 to 2023.
Mathew Masinge