Michael Tawanda Mukoko
UNHERALDED Afro-jazz crooner, Michael Tawanda Mukoko, will this weekend take his ensemble to South Africa for a show at Ekhruleni Boksburg hotel.
SaMukoko, as the artiste is also known, will be performing across the Limpopo for the first time in his budding but promising career. He has promised a top drawer act to all his fans in and around Jozi to come and witness African jazz music at its best.
In a telephone interview, the Gweru born talented mbira virtuoso said that they were not leaving any stone unturned come Saturday as rehearsals and preparations were at an advanced stage.
“We are ready to go baba, and I guarantee the fans that they are going to witness a top notch performance from us.”
Having drawn inspiration from Chimurenga music guru Thomas Mapfumo and inform contemporary music superstar Jah Prayzah, SaMukoko – a holder of a music diploma – announced his arrival on the musical stage with the album, Tichasvika Chete. Although the album did not spawn fame and fortune for him, he managed to bag the Best Jazz Musician award at the Midlands Music Awards, a feat he described as a “propelling factor”.
“As artists we take appreciation as the highest form of recognition in this industry, which can stir you to dizzy heights. Once you start getting awards you are motivated to work extra hard and stay determined to achieve even more. That award I got meant a lot and up to now it has played a pivotal role in shaping my career,” said the singer.
He added: “As we speak we are busy working on the second album, which we expect to wrap up towards the end of this year. The new music will be like icing on the cake at our SA show as we are going to sample tracks from that album. Fans should come and have a taste of the new material.”
Tiled, Keeper Nemukati, some of the songs on the album like, Pfuura, Huchi Nemukaka and Donhodzo, are already popular at live shows. SaMukoko’s manager, Rumbidzai Maipenzi, backed her artist, saying that they would be travelling with their full eight-member band.
“The camp is very excited about this tour as it is our first but definitely not last. We are taking this opportunity as the beginning of much greater things to come as we penetrate the international market,” she said.
Events manager at the Boksburg hotel, Dony Nikisi, confirmed the show before urging all music lovers to come in numbers and witness pure Zimbabwean talent at a safe and secure venue.
