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On the cusp of the release of his 67th album, very few can claim to know where Zimbabwean music legend Oliver a�?Tukua�? Mtukudzi draws the inspiration for his songs from.
The musiciana��s ability to keep coming up with the hits has seen him outlast both old and new rivals, carving out a career that has lasted for decades.
However, only a fly on his studio walls could claim to know the magic formula that has served him time and time again.
In an interview last week with Channel Oa��s Lalla Hiranya, Tuku took a few steps towards revealing the tricks of his trade.
a�?Therea��s purpose of song. That is what gives me the idea of what to come up with. If I discover an idea that I feel people need to know about, I pick that point and write a poem about it. Thata��s substance, which is giving purpose and hope to the next person,a�? he said.
Despite being ready to release his 67th album, Tuku said he could not pick one as his favourite, as he had fond memories of all his 66 previous projects.
a�?Each album has got its own memory and I cana��t really separate them all. For example, leta��s talk about a song, you cana��t get to hear the song if it doesna��t satisfy me. If it doesna��t bring back any memories then I wona��t release it,a�? he said.
Tuku was recently at the fourth annual Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival, where he was scheduled to perform alongside the South African jazz giant.
However, Masekela had to pull out of his own extravaganza for health reasons after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Tuku was, however, upbeat that Bra Hugh, a long time friend and collaborator, would recover in time to rejoin him on stage.
a�?I woulda��ve loved to share this idea of heritage together with him but anyway God has got his plans. We will be on stage together again soon,a�? he said.



