07 Oct 2018

Legendary Oliver Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits are set to dazzle the Mascom Live Sessions with live performances at BotswanaCraft on October 12. 

Mtukudzi, an icon of all time with over 55 albums in his name, will be performing alongside local guitarist Kapenda Katuta and his band. 

In an interview, BotswanaCraft managing director Oliver Groth said they were excited to be hosting Mtukudzi for the 42^nd Mascom Live Sessions. 

“These live sessions started in 2011 when Mascom became the headline sponsor and put their weight behind the fledgling live music industry of Botswana. 

We have been staging these live events alongside MI5 as well as support from various organisations, among them The Voice and The Botswana Gazette newspapers, Duma FM radio and Travelodge,” he said. 

He noted that Mtukudzi had featured in the Mascom Live Sessions every year since 2011 and usually performed in October to open the festive season. 

“All of Tuku’s shows at BotswanaCraft have sold out, come rain or shine. Tuku appreciates that BotswanaCraft has always delivered on his expectations and so he continues to bless us with his annual pilgrimage to Gaborone,” said Groth. 

He added that BotswanaCraft appreciated Mtukudzi’s performances and visits to Gaborone despite his busy schedule. 

Mtukudzi, also known as Tuku began performing in 1977 when he joined the Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured Thomas Mapfumo. 

Their single Dzandimomotera went gold and Tuku’s first album followed, which was also a major success. 

With his husky voice, Tuku has become the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and onto the international scene and has also earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond. 

A member of Zimbabwe’s KoreKore group, he sings in the nation’s dominant Shona language along with Ndebele and English. 

He also incorporates elements of different musical traditions, giving his music a distinctive style, known to fans as Tuku Music. 

Mtukudzi has had a number of tours around the world and has been on several tours in the UK, US and Canada, among others. 

Meanwhile, Katuta will open the live session. The local guitarist, though he originates from DRC, has featured on most local headline artistes’ albums and recordings and has a great local band working with him. 

“We are looking forward to his set. 

He originates from the DRC and has been living and supporting the music industry in Botswana for 16 years having arrived in 2002,” he said. 

Tickets for the show are already on sale at BotswanaCraft for P300. BOPA