Mtukudzi promises fireworks
He turns 64 next month and obviously age is catching up with him.
But Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi refuses to let that to wear him down and so tonight at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, the legend promises fireworks.
“I am honoured to be back home as Malawi is my second home. It feels home to be in Malawi.
“And as always, the show is going to be dynamite, I am going to give my best. Artists bring songs, and Malawians make a show out of the songs. I don’t expect to put up a dull show, so just bring your dancing shoes as it’s not going to be a sit and watch show,” he said with a toothy smile.
The last time he was in Malawi was in 2012 for the Blantyre Arts Festival.
“If I was here in 2012, there is a lot of new material which is there that people will sample at the show. But of course we have to go back and pick up a bit of those old songs,” he explained.
Mtukudzi was on Wednesday honoured to a welcome dinner at the Latitude 13, which was organised to celebrate his achievements.
“As Latitude 13, we felt we should sponsor events that reflect that we appreciate art. Right now Malawi is moving forward and if you are organiser just like Qoncept Creative, we are actually looking forward to more sponsorship in future,” said Bridget Goneso of Latitude 13.
We were truly spoiled last night in Lilongwe! Fantastic fusion of African rhythms, rock, blues, reggae, jazz and even Columbian salsa by Malawian band Mafilika and local electric guitar virtuoso Ernest. And then, the magnificent, larger than life, unique Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi – and his signature nylon strings – and the Black Spirits, with an incredible show of storytelling, dance, fabulous guitar picking and that incredible husky voice – inimitable simple warm beautiful African music that draws you in and never lets go. Truly, one of the great legends of our time!