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Mtukudzi: Sawubona's Musician of the month Oliver Mtukudzi is one of the most important musicians to come out of Africa in our lifetime. This composer, arranger, songwriter, singer and ban leader has released 44 albums, an average of two albums a year spanning a 25-year career. His style of music has earned the title 'Tuku' music which was gained from his massive fan base. This gentle giant writes most of his songs on social and economic issues, my personal favourite being Neria, a song devoted to women's rights and featured as the theme song for the Zimbabwean film of the same title. For any of you who want to purchase one of his 44 albums I strongly recommend Oliver Mtukudzi's Greatest Hits - the version of Neria live at the Market Theatre, with Steve Dyer on flute, is a spiritual experience of the highest note. The first time I saw Oliver Mtukudzi was about seven years ago at an intimate gig at the Bassline Jazz Club in Joburg. The most astounding thing was witnessing Oliver Mtukudzi silence a rowdy crowd with his presence alone, before stunning them with his deep baritone voice that awakens your soul and inspires your heart.Most recently I had the privilege of seeing two of the greatest African male voices share the stage at the Newtown Music Hall in Joburg - Oliver Mtukudzi and Ishmael Lo. The South African audience's response to Oliver Mtukudzi when Ishamel Lo called him onto the stage to join him in his song Africa, which is a prayer for peace in Africa, was phenomenal, and anybody who was fortunate enough to have been there will know that this was fortunate enough to have been there will know that this was one of those concerts where the magic of live performances supersedes all others. His latest release is Tsivo (Revenge), available at most music stores. Known as Tuku to his countless fans, Oliver Mtukudzi has been recording his various styles of music for almost three decades. With more than 50 albums to his credit, Tuku is Zimbabwe's best-selling artist, whose music is now simply known as Tukumusic. In the 70's, Oliver emerged as one of the country's original voices, with music based on traditional rhythms, melodies and native languages. Constantly experimenting with various musical styles, Oliver has been influenced by chimurenga (a style inspired by the hypnotic rhythms of the mbira, or thumb piano). South African mbaqanga, jit (an energetic Zimbabwean pop style), rumba and the traditional kateke drumming of his clan, the korekore. It is his powerful lyrics, however, that have set Tuku apart amongst his loyal fans. Singing in English, and in the shona language of Zimbabwe, Tuku tackles the issues of the people; from the challenges of everyday life to the most sensitive of his country's social and economic issues.
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