Published by the government of Zimbabwe
15 March 2008
Harare — Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black spirits are set to leave the country tomorrow for the United Kingdom where they will share the stage with Chimurenga music guru, Thomas Mapfumo starting on Thursday.
The eagerly-awaited tour by Tuku and Mukanya, who is based in the United States, is dubbed The Legends of Zimbabwe UK tour.
Considered as bitter rivals in some circles, Tuku and Mukanya start their tour in Belfast (Ireland), followed by a show in England's second capital, Birmingham on Good Friday, London on Saturday and Edinburgh (Scotland) on Easter Sunday.
Back home, local artistes have lined up shows to entertain their followers over the Easter holidays. Others were not aware as to when Easter was coming while others said they would have loved to mark their schedule had it not been of their demanding commitments: Fungisai Zvakavapano - the gospel diva through her spouse-turned-manager, Courage Mashavave, announced a tight Easter schedule.
"We are going to Beitbridge for some shows on Friday. We have been contracted to perform at the Holiday Inn Hotel in the border town. "After the performance, we are leaving for a South Africa without our band on business. "We really believe in Easter. It means the death and resurrection of Christ. Kwatiri zvinoreva kufa pamweya nokutanga hupenyu hutsva," said Mashavave.
Tawanda Mutyebere -- the award-winning gospel singer was surprisingly not even aware as to when Easter would be held.
"Nhaiwe, Easter imboriko rinhi? Mwedzi uno here?" asked Mutyebere.
Despite being caught unaware, he said he would certainly mark the occasion despite having a tight schedule on his back.
"Some of us are businessmen with targets. This holiday will mean loss of business but certainly, the holiday means a lot to me.
"Since I have known the real dates, I will take my family to business as I have done before," he said.
Ben Mahaka -- the flamboyant film-maker said he believed in Easter but he had some pressing deadlines to beat.
He said he could not really plan for it since he had other programmes.
"In short, I can't promise how my programme would be on Easter because I will be busy in the studio. But, if I find some time, then, I will take my family somewhere," he said.
Herman Chimusoro -- the dreadlocked gospel singer is arguably one of the ordained church pastors with a tight schedule during Easter.
"This Easter holiday will be an eventful one for us. We will spend much of our time at the Harare Gardens where we will be having a live recording of our DVD and album.
"Like we said before if you followed some Press reports, we are going to have a live recording where some other gospel artistes will be also recorded."
Barbara Vhengedza -- the actress of the moment said she had not planned anything for the long holiday but would have to come up with something.
"I will be sleeping at home. I don't have plans for the holiday. But as a Catholic, I will go to church. But if all goes according to plan, I will join my family in Mutare.
Tongai Moyo -- the Kwekwe-based singer, who has been down with cancer, said he together with his family respected Easter.
"My condition has changed me a lot spiritually. There is hardly anything that I do today without taking prayer.
"So, the Easter holiday is respected by the whole family as it affords us an opportunity to worship him (Lord God) with a difference hence my new song - Tembere YaMwari".
Enisia Mushusha -- the actress, a darling to many commercial theatre lovers, said she had no plans for the holiday since she does not fully believe in Easter.
"Yes, I am aware of Easter but I don't fully believe in it. I can't say that I believe in it to be honest but I know it is soon."
But the Mambokadzi director added: " I will have to check with my diary since my group (Mambokadzi) will be happening in Namibia during Easter if we finalise on the dates.
Tendai Gahamadze -- the critically acclaimed gwenyambira and Mbira Dzenharira founder-owner said he would observe the holiday the traditional way.
"We are going for a bira somewhere in Kadoma. At the moment, that's all that we have lined-up. I will update you if there is anything but a bira is certain since we are not Christians to mark Easter.
"I am sorry, I had forgotten to tell you we also have some shows in Mash West but I still have to confirm the venues."
Sku -- The Bulawayo diva said she had no plans for this Easter Holiday and would spend the holiday teaching students poetry at Masotsha and Milton High Schools.
"Unfortunately I don't have any shows on my calendar and I'm going to spend time at school," she said.
POZee -- The brother to Sku, said he was going to celebrate the long holiday at home. He said Easter was like other holiday like Christmas whereby you choose to either celebrate or not.
Extra Large -- Snagga Jim of Extra Large said since it was a holiday, they would be holding shows for their fans.
"Our industry requires that we entertain fans when they are on holiday so we have a couple of shows lined up in Harare and outside the capital.
"However, we are going to spare sometime with our families and friends besides tinoendawo kuchurch. Likkle is a Catholic and they are having fundraising shows at church," he said.
Ngonie Kambarami -- "I'm not sure where we are going because we want to finish our next project due for release at the end of this month as well as the DVD.
"The upcoming album is called Idenderedzwa but as for the holidays if something comes up you will be the first ones to know," he said.
Diana Samkange of 2BG -- The controversial diva said she would be out in Victoria Falls busy shooting her video.
"But being a holiday its always nice to be there although I will be busy making the video of my new album," she said.
Diana famed for her hit Chitsidzo who is on cloud nine with her 'MR RIGHT' is putting finals touches to her new CD due for release soon.
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