Zahara, Tuku to share UK stage

MUSIC superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and his Black Spirits band is set to hold two joint shows with South African singer Zahara and her 10-member band in London and Birmingham during the Easter holiday.

MUSIC superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and his Black Spirits band is set to hold two joint shows with South African singer Zahara and her 10-member band in London and Birmingham during the Easter holiday.

NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT

Former Radio 2 DJ Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda of Icons of Africa, the show promoters, said this would be the first time for Zahara to share the stage with the great Tuku in the United Kingdom.

“There is no better combination to entertain revellers on Easter than pitting Southern Africa’s best acoustic guitarists Tuku and Spinach (Zahara’s nickname). It’s the battle of the acoustics,” Sibanda said.

The Loliwe and Incwad’ Encane hitmaker said: “I love the atmosphere of sharing the stage with Africa’s legend Mtukudzi. l always feel good playing alongside Tuku and I feel so much at home.”

“There is no better combination to entertain revellers on Easter than pitting Southern Africa’s best acoustic guitarists Tuku and Spinach (Zahara’s nickname). It’s the battle of the acoustics,”
“There is no better combination to entertain revellers on Easter than pitting Southern Africa’s best acoustic guitarists Tuku and Spinach (Zahara’s nickname). It’s the battle of the acoustics,”

The evergreen Mtukudzi said: “I watched Zahara perform on many occasions and she has always been impressive. She is one hell of a talent and UK people won’t be disappointed.”

The promoters promised to make the tour the biggest and best gig by Southern Africa artistes in the UK.

Promoters are known for organising big and successful African events in the UK.

Zahara, whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana, hails from Cape Town. She has proved to be the biggest female South African artiste since the demise of the legendary Brenda Fassie.

Her debut album Loliwe made history by selling more than 200 000 copies in South Africa alone.

The only other female artiste to achieve such a feat in South Africa was Fassie. Unlike Fassie, who was considered to be wildoutrageous and outspoken, Zahara enjoys popularity with her more gentle and soulful songs.

Tuku is expected to feature songs from his latest album Mukombe Wemvura and classic hits from previous albums.

Tuku boasts a huge UK fan base and is one of the most sought-after African artistes in the UK.

“I watched Zahara perform on many occasions and she has always been impressive. She is one hell of a talent and UK people won’t be disappointed.”
“I watched Zahara perform on many occasions and she has always been impressive. She is one hell of a talent and UK people won’t be disappointed.”

Sibanda urged fans to buy tickets for the shows in advance to avoid disappointment.

“As always we promise to deliver on our pledge. Our strong relations with professionals, musicians, artistes and fans have moulded us into a progressive movement that is a widely sought after brand in the UK and abroad,” Sibanda said.

The first show is in London on April 3 at the Oasis Banqueting Suite in Barking, Essex while the second would be on April 4 at the Tower Ballroom in Birmingham.