The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
THE Black Spirits band, in collaboration with the family of the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, will, as usual, commemorate the life of the late national hero and legend through music and dance.
Tuku died on January 23, 2019 at the age of 66.
It has been four years since the revered musician breathed his last.
In commemoration of Tuku’s immense contribution to the local music industry, a musical show and a marathon have been pencilled in for January 23 in Norton.
The marathon will be held under the theme “Remembering a Legend at 70”.
Had he been alive, Mtukudzi would have celebrated his 70th birthday in September.
The musical gig will be held at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
Walter Wanyanya, the Black Spirits manager, said the marathon will be held as a way of appreciating some of the traits that characterised the late national hero.
“Tuku was a fitness fanatic, who loved everything that was associated with fitness. On stage, he was full of energy. The energy came from the fitness regime that he religiously followed,” Wanyanya said.
Former Black Spirits band members Sam Mataure and Clive “Mono” Mukundu will grace the events.
“Sam and Mono will be part of the Black Spirits line-up that is going to perform. We will go down memory lane as we sing and dance to music,” added Wanyanya.
Among those who are going to perform during the commemoration gig are former Pakare Paye students.
Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora and Innocent “Sarungano” Kufakunesu, who were refined at Pakare Paye, will take to the stage and entertain those who will attend the eagerly-awaited gig.
Since its formation, Pakare Paye has been a theatre of dreams that has nurtured a number of young musicians.
Wanyanya assured music lovers that the legacy of the late Mtukudzi will be kept alive.
To keep the legacy alive, the Black Spirits are currently working on a new album titled “Abiangu 2”.
“Abiangu 2” is a compilation of the songs that were left behind in the archives by the late musician.
For professional reasons, Wanyanya could, however, not disclose the titles of the new songs.
“I urge our fans to be a little bit patient. Once we are done with the recordings, we are going to release the album, which I know will be well-received.”
Wanyanya also took time to dismiss allegations that Tuku’s daughter, Selmor, left the band in a huff to pursue her own career.
Media reports that alleged the Black Spirits had disbanded also circulated widely.
“The Black Spirits band is still intact and we enjoy a professional working relationship with Selmor. For the record, we are working with Selmor on the new album.”
“Also, there is speculation that the Black Spirits and Selmor Mtukudzi are enemies. Let me make it clear right now that we are not enemies but good friends, and I am happy that we are working with her in our new project,” he said.
Selmor also dismissed the allegations, adding that the Black Spirits will remain her “home”.
She said she is ready to assist the band whenever the need arises.
“People always say what they want. To be honest with you, I enjoy a cordial working relationship with the band.
“I am always available to work with them, especially during such types of activities as the commemorations,” Selmor said.
She cleared the air on why she left the Black Spirits.
“I left the Black Spirits not because there was a rift. I wanted to pursue my solo career and I also wanted to be weaned off my late father’s band.”
