Gwinyai Dziwa - Newspaper Columns

Newspaper Columns ~ Financial Gazette

Tuku Carries Zim's Cultural Torch.

It was a riveting; an inspiring and uplifting experience to watch Oliver Mtukudzi perform on the Late Night Show with David Letterman.

The show, which airs at 11.35 pm on the CBS channel, is watched by millions of people across the United States of America.

On the show, the living legend was promoting his new release Vunze Moto, which has nine lyrically rich tracks.

The 49-year old star who was introduced by the show's host, funnyman David Letterman, played the acoustic as the group performed the new hit song Ndakuvara.

Next to him on stage was long time backing vocalist Picky Kasamba who danced to the rhythm. The two ladies, Mwendi Chibindi and Mary Bell, harmonised snugly with Tuku's smoky voice, making the tune irresistible.

Mike Mataure pounded the drums in the background while congas guru Kenny Neshamba smiled incessantly as they entertained the American audience.

I must confess I was impressed by David Letterman's pronunciation of Tuku's name. It was effortless and perfect. I think he rehearsed it many times.

Letterman introduced Oliver Mtukudzi thus: "This is lovely. This is beautiful music. We're delighted that this is taking place here tonight. Our next guest, one of Zimbabwe's most celebrated and popular singers - his wonderful CD is called Vhunze Moto, Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Oliver Mtukudzi."

This new production from Putumayo once again demonstrates Mtukudzi's avant-garde sophistication.

His fusion of Shona traditional rhythms, mbaqanga, jazz and jiti results in an absorbing form of music that only deserves the name Tuku music.

His apparent folkloric lyricism is simply captivating and liberating. On the new release, the first track Ndakuvara employs metaphorical language that depicts disappointment from expecting something good out of what you care for.

For instance, parents may raise a child earnestly only to find that the child is a serial killer. It is disappointing. We all want our children to be responsible and obey their parents but sometimes circumstances dictate otherwise.

The second track, Gondo, aims at restoring hope in those who are about to give up. Again figurative language is apparent. He tells us that the eagle takes anything that comes its way.

But Tuku cautions that even in extreme poverty or distress there is need to be selective and choose things that do not lead to self-abasement. It's like a man who marries a prostitute simply because he wants people to respect him for being a married man. Why not wait for a decent woman?

In the third track, Ziva Nguva, Tuku insists that we must do things on time and we should plan ahead. Of course this is good advice for Africans who normally turn up for an appointment late.

But the next track is hilarious and yet absorbing. Tuku cautions those who laugh at each other while they are in the same boat.

The next track, titled Wongororo is instructive as Tuku advises us to take time to analyse issues. If one tries something and fails then tries something else and again fails, then there is probably need for circumspection.

Don't rush into decisions. For instance, if your boyfriend is always staring at other women then be cautious before you tie the knot.

I must confess, the next track, Magumo is provocative. Tuku hints to oppressors that their end is always ignominious. But Tuku is clever. He does not suggest the nature of retribution.

In the song Kucheneka he pleads with the iniquitous not to kill him for any reason. He urges restraint.

In the eighth song Moto Moto, Oliver cautions us to take care of any fire no matter how small because it might spread and cause enormous conflagration. Again it is important to note that Tuku is a man of idiomatic and figurative language.

The last song is elegiac and Tuku laments the sweeping effect of the AIDS pandemic. He decries man's lustful proclivities and encourages all men to respond wisely to their sexual instincts. Tuku hits out at men who don't want to be passed by those salacious girls in skimpy dresses and yet they are partners in crime in spreading HIV.

Dedicated to the memory of the late Albert Kapondoro, the CD's total running time is 54 minutes 11 seconds. Although it's debatable, it appears that Tuku's current efforts will not surpass his early eighties releases such as Pfambi, Shanje, Maungira, Nzara, Hwema Handirase, Mhaka and many more golden oldies.

Nonetheless, I do not hesitate to encourage anyone to buy this new CD, Vhunze Moto. It is musical history in the making. And as I have said elsewhere, and I shall rehash it here, Oliver Mtukudzi is a national treasure. He is a musical genius and social luminary!

Gwinyai Dziwa