Fireworks expected at Easter in UK with Tuku, Zahara

By The NewsDay | Mar. 5, 2015 | 3 Min read

ZIMBABWE’S legendary superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and his Black Spirits band will join South African’s adorable songbird Zahara and her 10-piece band for two United Kingdom shows scheduled for London and Birmingham over the Easter weekend.

BY ENTERTAInMENT REPORTER

This would be the first ever time that Zahara will share the stage with Tuku in the UK.

The tour, promoted by the leading UK promoters Icons Of Africa, is promising to be one of the biggest Southern African gigs in the UK.

The promoters are known for organising big and successful African events in her Majesty’s land. Zimbabweans, South Africans and other nationalities are expected to throng the venues to be wowed by Zahara and Tuku who have done memorable shows in Zimbabwe and South Africa before.

Radio legend Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda from Icons of Africa said: “There is no better combination to entertain revellers during Easter than pitting Southern African’s best acoustic guitarists Tuku and Spinach (Zahara’s nickname) together, it’s the battle of the acoustics.”

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

The evergreen Mtukudzi said: “I have 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.”

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The countdown to arguably biggest UK tour in 2015 pitting superstar Mtukudzi and music sensation Zahara has begun.

The gig has sent the UK abuzz with fans already asking for tickets. Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, hails from Cape Town and was born on November 9, 1987. She has proved to be the biggest female artiste South Africa has had since the death of Brenda Fassie.

She made history when her debut album Loliwe sold over 200 000 copies in South Africa alone. The only other female artiste to achieve such a feat in South Africa in recent years was Fassie. Unlike Fassie, who was considered to be wild and outrageous with very outspoken views about life in the townships, Zahara enjoys popularity with more gentle soulful songs such as Lengoma, Umthwalo, Incwadi Encane, Thekwana and the album title track Loliwe.

On May 1, 2012, at the annual South African Music Awards, Zahara won eight awards, including Best Female Artiste, and Album of the Year for Loliwe. She has just won the Metro FM Award for best selling downloads for her latest album Phendula.

Zahara and Mtukudzi will provide Southern African and Zimbabwean flair with Icons of Africa Promotions’ event hosting experience needed for shows of such magnitude.

As for Tuku, the veteran singer has seen it all in music, won award after award throughout the world and has proved to be a fatherly figure to upcoming artistes.

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

The Shamiso Pata Pata hitmaker who enjoys a huge UK fan base has been the most successful and most sought after African artiste in the UK. “Tshisa” said: “Zahara means shining, and this lady is really a shining star. She is truly one of Africa’s hidden treasures, the world needs to get acquainted with her beautiful music.”

Many music lovers have genuine admiration for Mtukudzi and Zahara’s works. They are true artiste, they both love what they do, and express it effortlessly.

Sibanda reiterated that people need to come early for such events to enjoy the performances to the fullest and get advance tickets to avoid inconveniences on the nights.

“As always we promise to deliver and deliver on our promise, it can only be Icons Of Africa Promotions, thriving for excellence every time. The first show will be in London on Friday April 3 2015 at Oasis Banqueting Suite, Barking, Essex.

The second show is to be staged on Saturday April 4 2015 at Tower Ballroom, Birmingham.