Tuku Music manager Sam Mataure believes the recent stepping down of some members of Oliver Mtukudzi’s Black Spirits will not have any negative impact on the band.
Mtukudzi now has a new-look band after four members quit nearly two weeks ago reportedly following unfruitful negotiations over improvement of working conditions.
Veteran bass guitarist Never Mpofu, drummer Simba Dembedza and celebrated couple, Charles and Namatai Chipanga, are widely believed to haave left the band when talks over upward review of salaries stalled.
They have since been replaced by backing vocalist Winet Sarunete, Blessing Muparutsa (drums), Enock Piriro (bass guitar), Maxwell Chiwara (lead guitar) and Strovas Muswowe on percussion.
Muparutsa and Piroro were snapped up from Dudu Manhenga’s Colour Blu.
Mataure said the band will continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
“The focus should be on Oliver the musician and not any other individuals. Black Spirits has always been there and will always be the same,” said Mataure.
“Changing band members will not affect us in any negative way. The guys who have just come in are doing just fine. They started slowly and now everything is moving on well.”
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The new backing staff acquitted themselves well during Friday’s show in Gweru which was their second outing with the band.
This is not the first time there have been a massive purge in the band.
Four years ago, six members were shown the exit door together with former manager Debbie Metcalfe.
