adminpart, speaking volumes of the power that Tuku has as an artiste.
Clad in brown African attire, Tuku exuded energy and skill on stage playing a variety of songs like “Mutserendende” and “Mbombera” among others that were a chronicle of the several phases that his career went through.
Artistes EX-Q, Pauline Gunduza, Munyardzi Mataruse, accapella gospel music outfit Chiyedza Chevatendi led by Tapiwa Chibaya, Pakare Paye Arts Ensemble, Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble, mbira player Jackie Nyamutumbu, Pakare Paye-based group Tsvete, Tuku, his wife Daisy and daughter Selmor were in fine form as they went through their paces on stage.
Daisy, who has featured in a number of Tuku’s videos, surprised many when she appeared on stage to do the lead vocals on the title song of the musical, “Masanga Bodo”.
Although she had previously confessed that she is not an artiste by nature, she thrilled the audience with her act supported by her husband.
Daisy also used the musical to remember her late son Sam who died in a car crash on March 5, 2010.
Before the event, Daisy had said: “To me, ‘Masanga Bodo’ means a lot. It is by the grace of God to be together today. It also reminds me of my son Sam. It is an emotional production to me.”
It was also an emotional moment when Tuku and Daisy joined Chiedza Chevatendi on stage and struck a touching pose on the song “Neria” which was dedicated to Sam.
Musicals are not that popular in Zimbabwe and judging from the way that Tuku has mastered the genre, it is clear that the local music scene is set to be revolutionised for the better.
This is Tuku’s third musical after “Was My Child” and “Nzou neMhuru”.
On “Ivai Naye”, the lyrics like “Sam waenda,… tinomurangarira…baba vake vanochema, sisi vake vatambura,” sent the audience thinking deeply about the late young artiste who was so full of promise but whom fate suddenly snuffed out.
Tuku and the rest of the artistes impressed on the song “Sons of Africa” which was a fusion of music, dance and theatre while Munya Mataruse also showcased his artistic and vocal skills on Tuku’s song “Tsika Dzedu” whose lead vocals he did while the superstar played the acoustic guitar for him.
Tsvete, a music group which Tuku groomed at his Pakare Paye Arts Centre, Guruve Arts Ensemble, Pauline and XQ also justified their inclusion in the musical through impressive performances.
Tuku lived up to the billing of superstar as he inspired the various artistes and what a picture it was to see musicians, dancers and actors blending well in a feat that is set to rewrite the history of the Zimbabwean arts scene.
Online Reporter