By Staff Writer
Renowned drummer and music manager Sam Mataure has leapt to the defense of Chimurenga music exponent Thomas ‘Mukanya’ Mapfumo saying he needs respect.
This follows the severe criticism the music maestro faced after a ‘pathetic performance’ at a hyped UK gig where many believe he now has lost his voice and the energy was subdued.
However,in an interview with Star FM’s DJ Olla on Tuesday, Mataure who is currently the band manager for Mapfumo said the attacks by people on the music legend were unwarranted and that he((Mapfumo) is still much in the game.
“I have been put off by what people are saying with regards to Mukanya ,’hanzi apera’ ((he is now a spent force). The man is still very much in the game I can attest to that.
“The problem we have is we only celebrate one’s work once he dies and it’s sad.Mudhara(Mukanya) needs our respect ,”Mataure said.
He attributed the dismal performance by Mapfumo to a poor sound system .
The drummer who also worked with the late Oliver Mtukudzi took time to quash the rumours of a feud between Tuku and Mapfumo.
“I have heard such lies that Tuku and Mudhara Mapfumo did not see each other eye to eye . Some have even suggested that there are songs by the two artistes were directed at each other. Those are blatant lies.
“The two were very good friends and I remember every time we performed in the US with Tuku he would make sure that he connected with Mukanya, ”revealed Mataure.
The Mutare-born Mataure first worked with Thomas Mapfumo before joining hands with Oliver Mtukudzi for the longest part of his career where he later became the legend’s manager.
“So while in Mutare I used to be a session instrumentalist and would be hired by several musicians based in the city and Harare.
“I then became popular that when a vacancy arose in Mukanya’s band I was called for an audition and came out tops beginning my journey with Mapfumo,” recalls the 54-year-old revered drummer.
“When I joined Tuku it was a dream come true because he had always had the blessings of my family who would only allow me to go and watch Oliver Mtukudzi shows only.
“It was a privilege when he asked me to be his manager later in years working with him and this was despite that I had no iota of managerial experience, ”he said.
