Tuku part ways with Black Spirit members

Oliver Mtukudzi and four members of his Black Spirits backing band have parted company after failing to agree on pay and other working conditions.

SW Radio Africa spoke to marimba player Charles Chipanga who confirmed that both he and his wife Namatayi, a backing vocalist for Tuku, were no longer part of the band.

Other band members reported to have walked away include bass guitarist Never Mpofu and drummer Simba Dembedza. The four asked for improved pay and working conditions but Mtukudzi allegedly told them he was already paying them the highest rates in the country and they were free to seek greener pastures.

A report on the NewZimbabwe.com website went further to say Mtukudzi's last show with the band members was on Friday at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.

Over the weekend Mtukudzi performed with a new backing line up made up of Enock Piroro (bass), Max Chiwara (lead guitar), Blessing Mparutsa (drums) and Strovers Strovers (percussions) at a South African jazz festival.

A source revealed: "The four confronted Mtukudzi on various issues, including their working conditions but he essentially brushed them aside.

"He reminded them that he was the best paying artist in Zimbabwe and left them with a clear impression that they could leave if they felt their labour would bring better yields elsewhere.

"The sour nature of the discussions was such that the relationship between Mtukudzi and the band broke down irreparably and they could not continue."

At a South African jazz festival over the weekend, Mtukudzi performed with a new backing line up made up of Enock Piroro (bass), Max Chiwara (lead guitar), Blessing Mparutsa (drums) and Strovers Strovers (percussions).

Mtukudzi's publicist Shepherd Mutamba said this week, "Should we have information of public interest on your specific inquiry, or any other issue for that matter, we will post it on our website www.tukumusik.com."