DENDERA musician Sulumani Chimbetu has postponed the release of his forthcoming album to October.
SILENCE CHARUMBIRA
The album was initially penned in for this August to coincide with the commemoration gig for his father Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu who died on August 14 2005.
Sulu’s publicist Joe “Local” Nyamungoma yesterday said the recording had been delayed by incessant power cuts and tight schedules and would now be released around October.
“We have had to reschedule the release for October when we hold the tribute concert,” Nyamungoma said.
“We are going to have a series of shows this August themed along the commemoration of the death of Simon Chimbetu, but the tribute concert will be in October where all the Chimbetus will converge on one stage and the album will be launched on the same day as it is a tribute to Chopper.”
Band manager Knowledge Nkoma said although the album had been delayed, they had recorded several songs and there was progress. “We are not panicking. We have recorded several songs and we are in the process of polishing others while we select those that will be on the forthcoming album,” he said.
“The album will have eight tracks if all goes according to plan and will also come with a surprise package.”
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He said among the tracks that would be on the album are Nyuchi, Sekuru Benson, Nhire and a still to be titled collaboration with Chimurenga legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo.
Nkoma said while they polished the tracks on the album, they were concentrating on the commemoration shows that commence tonight with a joint show with Soul Jah Love at Dandaro in the Exhibition Park.
“We perform at Dandaro tonight and head west to Kariba and Chirundu on Saturday [tomorrow] and Sunday,” Nkoma said.
“Next Friday, we play at Pick & Save in Mutare and Airport Lounge on Saturday before rounding off the weekend at Legends Sports Diner in Marondera.”
He said they were also preparing for their upcoming tour of the United Kingdom for which they depart on August 27.
The lead guitarist also took time to dispel rumours that the band was in turmoil.
“We do not have any problems with the band members as being said in our circles,” he said.
“Everyone knows that live shows have not been paying well in the last month because of a financial crunch that is affecting everyone. The other reason is the cold spell. So, of course, we can never be happy with low income.”
On the joint shows with sungura icon Alick Macheso, Nkoma said indeed they brought smiles, but they could have been better.
“Just like I have been saying, due to the financial challenges that are being faced by the country people do not have money. Knowing the combination of Macheso and Sulu as I do, those shows could have performed a lot better,” he said.
“Many people came, but not as many as I would have expected for two big musicians on the same stage.”
