Tuku to be honoured in London tribute dinner

Legendary musician and Zimbabwe's foremost cultural ambassador, Oliver Mtukudzi, is to be honoured at a star-studded dinner to be held at a top London hotel on Saturday 29 November.

Organised by exclusive events specialists, Black Tie Management, the Tuku Tribute Dinner will celebrate the colourful musical career of the country's most recognised and decorated artist.

Invited VIP guests include friends of Tuku from Africa's music royalty, including jazz legend Hugh Masekela, Ringo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the great afrobeats legend Fela Kuti's son Femi, Zimbabwe's Sungura maestro Alick Macheso, and the crown prince of Dendera music, Sulumani Chimbetu.

Adored by fans across Africa and beyond for his famously husky, soulful voice and jazzy acoustic guitar, Tuku has sold out concerts on global stages in Europe, America, Australia and beyond. He is the only African artist to receive Italy's equivalence to the British Knighthood, the prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit.

Among his compatriots, Tuku holds the distinction of being the only artiste to be honoured as the country's Cultural Ambassador. He is also the only Zimbabwean to hold the honour of being a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Black Tie Management events director Rue Masiyanise said: "We are honoured to be hosting this special dinner for our very own cultural icon, a legendary artiste and down to earth man whose humility belies the outstanding achievements that he has earned over the course of his long and fruitful career.
 
We are offering this special and unique opportunity for Tuku's fans around the world and those in the UK to "Come dine with Tuku" and his family and friends, including friends of Tuku such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Ringo, Suluman Chimbetu, Alick Macheso and a whole lot more. We will have a line-up of artists in the UK entertaining guests by performing Tuku's music from the 70's to date in tribute to him."

Masiyanise said her company was considering the final choice of venue for the event and had shortlisted two premium quality hotels in central London.

Over the course of a career stretching back to the 1970s, Mtukudzi has produced over 60 stunning music albums and is arguably Zimbabwe's most prolific artist. Not content with limiting his artistic talents to music, Tuku has also distinguished himself on the silver screen, with admirable performances under his belt from critically acclaimed documentaries and feature films such as Jit and Neria.

One of his greatest achievements to date is also among his most personal: in recent years he has set up the Pakare Paye arts centre in his hometown of Norton, which helps upcoming artists develop in their chosen art at no charge.

"It is against this backdrop that we believe that this is something to celebrate and we would like to say a big thank you and honour Dr Mtukudzi for consistently keeping Zimbabwe on the international music scene and continuing to fly the Zimbabwean flag high always," Masiyanise said.

The Tuku Tribute Dinner is an exclusive event and organisers are releasing a limited number of tickets only at a discounted price of £75.00. Tickets can be purchased at www.tukutribute.com, and special offers are available for early birds.

"Doors will open at 6pm and guests will be treated to a red carpet photo-shoot, a drinks reception and a chance to chat with Tuku and his friends. A three course dinner will be served, with complimentary wine and juice on each table.

And following tribute performances from a select number of artistes, the highlight of the night will see the man himself, Tuku, take to the stage to give guests a taste of his very own music," Masiyanise said.

The event finishes around midnight and guests will take away a special gift, signed by Tuku himself.

A week after the tribute dinner, Tuku will lead a stellar cast of Zimbabwean musicians at a music concert to be held at a major venue in Leicester.

For further details, contact:

Rue Masiyanise
Executive Director
Black Time Management
Email: info@tukutribute.com
Mobile: 07951103220
Twitter: @blacktiemngmnt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Tie-Management/496158417194584?fref=ts