Tuku: The legend

his legion of fans, said he was not motivated to become a musician but was born a musician.
“My music, according to my mother, who knew me the longest, started the day I was born. She tells me that my birth cry was the best composition ever for her and when she told me this, I felt I was a musician then.
“She really enjoyed my birth cry because I’m  the first born and that cry was kind of different from the cries of the other babies that came after me. So I take this statement from my mother seriously. It may sound like a joke, but, to me, it tells when I started my music career.”
After starting his career backed by the Wagon Wheels decades ago, Tuku has used his gravelly voice as a magic wand to transform those “wagon wheels” to jet wings as he flies into the music history books.
However, the musical journey has not been smooth. Coming from a conservative African community that treated musicians as uncouth and social misfits, the journey was bumpy, rocky and winding.
Today, Mtukudzi, known for his compact compositions, characterised by a shifting tapestry of plunking guitars, hoarse lead vocals intermittently spiced with sharp pricking backing vocals and a cross rhythm of the African drum, has become an icon.
The trademark cough, as he clears his throat, completes his identity. And now musicians, fans, the corporate world and show promoters have come together to honour Tuku with a special must-attend birthday bash amid pomp and zest.
The spectacle starts as early as 8am today, when Tuku is flown from his home in Norton aboard an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter emblazoned with a banner “Tuku @60”.
Accompanied by the organisers Partson Chimbodza, Josh Hozheri, Taka Mashonganyika as well as Watson Chidzomba of Pakare Paye Arts Centre, the chopper will fly past the popular braai spot Mereki from Kuwadzana to Machipisa, Epworth, Chisipite then Borrowdale, Mabelreign, City Centre before landing in the open space between the Harare Exhibition Park and the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.
The magic continues when Tuku joins a convoy of luxury cars among them the latest SUV Range Rovers and Jaguars from Premier Auto and limousines on his way to the Meikles Hotel, where he will join the South African musicians Ringo Madlingozi, Judith Sephuma, Steve Dyer and Dorothy Masuku.
The convoy including police escorts and drum majorettes will travel from the Exhibition Park into Samora Machel Avenue into Julius Nyerere Way then Nelson Mandela Avenue and finally into Third Street coming to a stop at the Meikles Hotel. At around 4:00pm the show begins with local artistes among them Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Dendera United comprising the Chimbetus — Allan, Suluman, Tryson and Douglas — Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Diana Samkange and ExQ billed to perform.
At the show, music lovers will be given a free NetOne line on entry into the Glamis Arena, the venue of the bash, while food will be provided by Chicken Slice.
While the birthday bash will start today, Tuku’s actual birthday is tomorrow, September 22.
There is going to be a fireworks display at midnight courtesy of Goldtech Electronics followed by a raffle draw where fans will win Tuku @60 merchandise.
For the draw, fans have to fill in the registration forms for their NetOne lines and drop them in boxes dotted around the venue.
The lines will be connected instantly.
Initially, the bash was going to be recorded by ZBC as part of their sponsorship and then screened on ZBCTV at a later date, but that is no longer the case.
A private party will be held tomorrow at Pakare Paye Arts Centre, where invited guests will get up close and personal with the birthday boy.
Tickets for the public concert will be available today through designated points such as Jazz 105, Chicken Slice, Goldtech Electronics, NetOne shops, Garwe Restaurant and Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
Tickets are going for US$10 for the rest of the ground, US$30 for the VIP and US$60 for the VVIPs, where they will be given a complimentary meal.