Oliver Mtukudzi Presents his Showcase of Tuku Music to the Ohio University Campus
by Martin Curti

(5/21/02, Athens, OH) Ohio University students celebrated the words and music of one of Afro-pop's legendary figures.  Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimbabwe's most prominent performer, treated the crowd to an evening of live African music and dance.

Mtukudzi, known as "Tuku," in his homeland, originated and popularized his own genre of music, known as "Tuku music."  The Tuku sound blends traditional South African styles, mbaqanga, mbira and jit with modern Western influences.

Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits, his band of nearly 30 years, are currently on tour promoting their 44th album, Vhunze Moto (Burning Ember).  The nine-piece band featured backing female vocalists Mary Bell and Mwendi Chibindi.

Despite the festive nature of the concert, Mtukudzi wove an important message into his music.  The lyrics often seemed a reflection of the political and social strife endured by his native country.

In, "Tapera (We Have Been Decimated)," Mtukudzi tells the story of an AIDS ravaged people.  Additional highlights of the evening included, "Hear Me Lord" which Tuku fan, Bonnie Raitt, covers on her new album, Silver Lining and the politically motivated "Nda Kuvara (I Am Hurt)," with metaphorical inferences to corruption within current Zimbabwean government.

While playing the guitar, Mtukudzi sang both in English and in his native tongue of Shona, opening the doors to one world, with music transcending geographic boundaries.