The Sunday Mail
Mtandazo Dube recently in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
WHEN Professor Fred Zindi described Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi as a treasure while giving a speech at the launch of Tuku’s 65th album at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, the meaning may have been lost on many.But when the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) decided to immortalise the Zimbabwean superstar with the Breaking Through the Borders award in South Africa last weekend, it was clear he truly is a treasure, not just for Zimbabwe or Southern Africa, but for Africa as a whole.
The Breaking Through the Borders honour received by Mtukudzi adds to his already impressively decorated cabinet of awards from all over the globe. Tuku, who is a singer-songwriter, actor, writer, film director and entrepreneur, boasts a plethora of awards from around the globe. Below is a list of some of the awards Tuku has been presented with over the course of his career.
1985-88: One of the Best Selling Artistes in Zimbabwe
1992: M-Net Best Soundtrack (Neria)
2002: NAMA (Best Group/Male Vocalist)
2002: KORA (Best Arrangement for Ndakuvara)
2002: SAMA Finalist (Best Traditional/African Adult Contemporary DVD) Live At The Cape Town Jazz Festival
2003: Reel Award Winner (for Best African Language)
2003: KORA (Best African Male Artist & Life Time Achievement)
2004: NAMA (Best Group/ Male Vocalist)
2006: ZIMA (Music Ambassador)
2006: ZIMA (Best Music Ringing Tone Handiro Dambudziko)
2007: Cultural Ambassador – Zimbabwe Tourism Association
2008: NAMA (Outstanding Musician)
2009: Honorary M.Sc (Fine Arts) Women’s University in Africa
2009: 2009 Cultural Ambassadors -Project Concern International
2014: Honorary Doctorate Degree in Human Letters (DHL) International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP)
2014: Honorary PhD degree in Philosophy Ethno Musicology and Choreography – Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)
2015: NAMA (Life Time Achievement)
2015: Life Time Achievement Award by NTM Global Promotions. (Canada)
2015: Outstanding Life Long Contribution to the South African Music Industry. (Ministry of Arts and Culture South Africa)
Papa Penny wants Zim comeback Born Kulani Kobane, legendary Xitsonga disco artiste Penny Penny aka Papa Penny, says his performances in Zimbabwe in the late ‘90s and early 2000s make up some of his fond memories. Papa Penny gave a sizzling account of himself at the Wawela Music Awards where he performed his hit song Bum-Bum much to the amusement of the crowd at Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg last weekend.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure, Papa Penny said his performances in Gweru especially, remain etched in his memory. He remembers the love that Zimbabweans gave him back in the day and said one day he would want to be part of a big concert in Zimbabwe to remind his fans that he is still a performing artiste.
“Oh, you are from Zimbabwe. You are my people. I enjoyed my performances there back in the day, especially in Gweru. Talk to your organisers (music promoters), I want to come back and remind them,” said Papa Penny, who was busy all night as scores of fans requested picture moments with the “Shaka Bundu” singer.
Papa Penny stands out in Xitsonga disco because of his distinctive raspy vocal style and the joyous nature of his songs.
Ceremony pays tribute to Mandoza The Wawela Music Awards paid tribute to Mandoza through massive performances by members of the Mandoza’s first musical group, Chiskop.
Songs such as “Nkalakatha”, “Tornado”, “Sgelekeqe”, “Godoba” and “Indoda” sent fans wild as the awards ceremony folded. Mandoza’s widow, Mpho Tshabalala, was also present at the awards ceremony where Gabi Le Roux, Mandoza’s producer was honoured with a special award – Prolific Catalogue of Works.
Wawela awards not populist
Samro board chairperson Sibongile Khumalo reiterated at the awards ceremony that the Wawela Music Awards were not populist but aimed at recognising the talent that is not visible on a day-to-day basis. The aim of the Wawela Music Awards is to recognise and award Samro members, that is, composers, authors, lyricists and publishers – who have lit up international and local stages, screens and airwaves with their dazzling talent.
“The awards are a gesture from Samro to thank our creative trailblazers. These awards celebrate South African music creators’ accomplishments on the international and local stage over a particular defined period,” she said.
The Wawelas, now in their fourth edition, are known for their in-depth appreciation of music composition and songwriting, including music created for television, films and commercials.
Below is the full list of winners.
Nik Sakellarides (Best Soundtrack in a Feature Film or Theatric Documentary and Best song or Composition in a Radio Commercial), Benjamin Willem (Best Song or Composition in a Television Production), The Soil (Best song or Composition in a Television Commercial), Maleh (Best Creative Album of the Year) and Benjamin William Jephta (Songwriter of the Year and Best Male Artiste and Composer/Co-Composer).
South Africans sing Shona
Shamiso Music and Entertainment boss Gilbert Muvavarirwa is doing wonders in South Africa. The South Africa-based Zimbabwean businessman has now turned his attention on South African artistes and that country’s music industry. However, Muvavarirwa has not forgotten his roots – some of the artistes sing their songs in Shona as is the case with one of the fast rising singers of his stable, Kabelo Phorohlo aka DJ Nova.
The Johannesburg-based entity officially released “Ndinokuda”, featuring Xelimpilo Selimane, the leader singer of Uhuru and Max “Musopera” Vidima last week. The music was released through Africori, the leading online Pan Africa music distributor. The song is also available on iTunes and other online platforms.
The video for “Ndinokuda” was premiered on Trace Africa last Monday and will also be shown on Channel O and MTV Base. The single was premiered on Star FM last weekend on Tich Mataz’s afternoon show and is now on high rotation on the radio station. The song is the lead single taken from the forthcoming album “Afro Generation”, which has collaborations from across Africa.
The album is scheduled for release early November and it features Mque, Nii “T Jay” Amartey from Ghana, Xelimpilo Selimane the lead singer of Uhuru, Bongo Riot lead singer of Gang of Instruments, Zimbabwean Willom Tight and many other artistes from the African continent.
DJ Nova is a young producer from the Eastrand Boksburg, South Africa. He started producing in 2009. He made his name by doing a Smash Remix of Beyonce ft Jay Z for the song “Drunk in love”, which was debuted on Oskido’s I Believe Top 5 Show on Metro FM and stayed at the number one position for four consecutive weeks.
Recently, he did a Remix of Fistaz Mixwell ft Big Nuz, Monoea and Thebe on a song entitled “No Filter”, whose video was premiered on SABC 1 LiveAmp. He has also done a Remix of Kelly Khumalo’s latest single “Asena”, which was released in March 2015. His official single titled “Izinyembezi” featuring Meehlali had over 100 000 downloads and made waves in South Afiica.
DJ Nova also produced “Again”, for Mque, who had the biggest song in South Africa in 2015 entitled “City Rain” by Moby Dixon. Mque was also featured on the international hit song by Black Coffee entitled “Come with Me” and is causing major damage on the dance floors.
Willom’s album dropping soon
Muvavarirwa says there is no need for Willom Tight’s fans to panic as music is on its way.
“Remember we are releasing this music internationally and there are a lot of collaborations. We have a few hiccups especially with our partners in the United States – as soon as that is ironed out, Willom Tight’s album will drop and it will take the music industry by storm.
Muvavarirwa says he is not moved by the fact that the music may be overtaken by events, saying they are making the necessary adjustments to the music and videos as they go.
