Tuku’s impact still being felt

NEXT month, the clock will indicate that it has been five years since the legendary Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi died.

He died on January 23, 2019, at the age of 66.

But, his legacy remains strong and Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble leader, Jah Lemmy, says his world would have been different had he not passed through the hands of the legend. Before Tuku’s death, says Jah Lemmy, the group got some tips from the Black Spirits founder after they were advised to take part in his talent search programme dubbed ‘Masango Bodo.’

The group has been touring many parts of the world including India, Mozambique and South Africa.

“It’s great being appreciated and loved by your kin and this is an area we are working on.

“On the 16th of December, we are going to launch our new album, titled Dhonza Usanete, at Makulumani Gardens in Whitecliff as part of meeting our fans.

“We can only get the love and appreciation from our fans if we give them something new which they can relate to,” he said.

He added: “At the album launch, we have invited fellow artists like Silent Killer, Simon Mutambi, Prazai Mesi, Bigboy Motsi, Jah Master and some DJs to come and be part of the launch.

“Of course, the day belongs to us but we decided that we forge an alliance with others so that we grow together.”

He assured fans that he would also unveil a new video, done by Naxo, at the launch.

“We have since done the video to the song Stress-Free, which will be unveiled at the event.

“We enjoy working with Naxo and can’t thank him enough. He is a genius who has mastered his art of visuals,” he said.

Besides mbira music, Jah Lemmy says he also enjoys making marimba for sale.

“We work as a group of people manufacturing some of the instruments we play for sale.

“This is the only way we can keep our fans busy so that they desist from drug abuse. We hope to empower each other and not lie idle when we are not on tour or holding shows.”