Tuku and Mukanya were never enemies

US BASED Chimurenga guru Thomas Mapfumo, who is back in the country for the first time in 14 years, says there is no bad blood between him and superstar Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi.

During his short stint in the country, Mukanya has also commented and cleared the air on a number of issues and debates that have been raging during his time in exile.

These range from the new political dispensation ushered by President Mnangagwa in November last year, his wish to the President, arts regulatory chiefs and of course his relationship with Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi.

The 72-year-old, who paid Arts, Sport and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe a courtesy call at his offices in the capital yesterday, has also made the call for Zimbabweans to unite.

Prior to Mukanya's visit to Minister Kazembe's office, he also cleared the air on their perceived 'tiff' with Tuku, which has been raging for years.

"Uyu ane maitiro ake, ini ndine maitito anguwo, takasiyana siyana. Music yakasiyana nebhora rekuti Dynamos vs Caps, tiri vamwe chete.

"Music doesn't work that like, we have to work together as artistes, and I can work with anyone.

"Ndikada kuimba rwiyo rwangu naOliver tinonoita, saka musada kutipesanisa," said Mukanya who has been preaching the gospel of peace since his arrival last week.

The Blacks Unlimited founder said plans were underway for them to record a much-anticipated duet with Tuku.

Mukanya's handlers also confirmed that they were set to record duet project at Tuku's Pakare Paye Studios, an indication there is no bad blood between them.

Tuku, who has also appeared at the same press conference with Mukanya for the first time in their careers in Zimbabwe, said he was always in touch with the Chimurenga guru.

"We were never enemies as was said by the fans over the years. Vanhu vaitaura ndivo vaivengana, ueye kavakwanisi kuti paradzanisa," he said.

Tuku said they have never competed with each over the years as was perceived.

"Mukanya ane twu twake twekudzidza rake and hakuna anokwanisa kumukunda.

"Together, togona kukufadzai mese, we have been in touch and there is something coming."

Tuku said he has been longing for Mukanya's return since they used to meet in foreign lands.

"When I got the news that these guys (promoters) wanted to organise a show featuring Mukanya, I gave them the greenlight to do so.

"Thomas Mafumo has been our ambassador and he still remains one of us. Now that he is back home, this visit is important because of his influence that we all know.

"This is the right time that he meets our political leaders and air his grievances since he has been away for a while," he added.

Besides Tuku, Mukanya is billed to share the stage with Winky D, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo and Gary Tight.

It's show where the best of both generations are set to give fans real value for their money.

But it should be mentioned that all the attention would be on Mukanya who has been away for 14 years in exile.

In Mukanya's absence, Chimurenga artiste-cum-sculptor Bryn Taurai Mteki has been the sole contender to fill his big shoes.

Other artistes like Evans "Vanso" Sekete and Jairos Chabvonga who used to be Mukanya's runner prior to him moving to the US, have also made great efforts to keep the genre relevant.

Mteki is also one of the several local acts who have booked Mukanya for a number of collaborations.