Mtukudzi adopts Bulawayo musicians

Oliver Mtukudzi has for the first time, adopted two young musicians from Bulawayo for live shows in a bid to give them the much-needed exposure.

The super star is expected to work with Derrick Majaivana and Isizukulwane on his two shows that will be held in Bulawayo and Esigodini, a relationship expected to continue well after that.

Tuku, who will debut at Esigodini’s Jabula Inn next month, has helped groom emerging artistes like X-Q, Munya Mataruse, Sulumani Chimbetu and his late son Sam, but has never worked with any young artistes from Bulawayo.

In an interview, Majaivana told Saturday Leisure that it is a great honour sharing the stage with a musical legend like Mtukudzi.

"I am happy as an up-and-coming musician to be part of the team that will be curtain raising Tuku’s two shows that will be held in Bulawayo and Esigodini," he said.

Majaivana said he first shared the stage with Mtukudzi last year at two shows that were held in Harare but hopes for more consistent joint performances this time around to give him the break he desperately needs.

"As young musicians who are still trying to make their names in the music industry we still need support from well established musicians like Mtukudzi.

"I have benefited a lot from the two shows I had with Tuku as after the two shows fans started taking my music seriously," he said.

Mtukudzi was one of the guitarists who helped Derrick’s father, Lovemore Majaivana, record his last album in 2001 called Isono sami.

"Mtukudzi worked with my father on his last album so with that in mind he (Lovemore) has always advised me to approach him if I face any musical challenges.

"That has encouraged me to continue soldiering on as the music industry needs endurance," he said.

Majaivana said the two shows would give him an opportunity to sample some of his new songs that are yet to be released.

"I have a couple of songs that I have composed for my new album and I am going to sample some of these songs at these two shows.

"I want to prove to people of this region that Majaivana is back and they should support him," he said.

Another Bulawayo musician, Joshua Sibanda, the leader of Isizukulwane said his group was more than ready to work with the super star.

"It has always been our dream as a group to work with big guys like Oliver Mtukudzi.

"Since this dream has finally come true we are going to take this opportunity to make our names in the music industry," he said.

Isizukulwane said Zimbabwean musicians should unite for the common goal of improving local music.

"We are going to even propose for collaborations with Mtukudzi," he said.

Sam Mature, Mtukudzi’s manager urged local promoters to arrange more shows of this nature that accommodate up-and-coming musicians.

"It has always been Tuku’s policy to work with up-and-coming musicians and we are happy with this arrangement.

"Before Tuku has worked with up-and-coming musicians who include X-Q and his son Sam Mtukudzi and it has given us overwhelming results," he said.

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