Mtukudzi drops manager, six band members

Mtukudzi drops manager, six band members

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By Showbiz Reporter

OLIVER Mtukudzi has ditched his manager Debbie Metcalfe, sacked six band members and recruited two more in an extensive reshuffle of his Black Spirits band.

Sam Mataure, who was a drummer for the Black Spirits before a stint in South Africa, returns as Mtukudzi's manager.

Metcalfe, who has been on Mtukudzi's side for over a decade, was absent when the group arrived in London for three Easter gigs on Wednesday.

Mataure told New Zimbabwe.com: "Debbie is in Cape Town. Tuku decided that Tuku Music would take over the band's management as part of wider changes. Debbie is still great friends with Tuku and still redirects all business that comes her way to Tuku Music and I have no doubt that if a situation arose where she could assist, she would oblige."

Metcalfe is credited by many for Mtukudzi's international success, and news that she is no longer part of the band will shock Mtukudzi's fans.

Apart from reshuffling his manager, Mtukudzi also wielded the axe on SIX band members, including his daughter, Selma. Others left out were Philani Dube (sound engineer, guitar), Kenny Neshamba (percussion), Clive Mutyasira (drummer), Selma Mtukudzi (vocals), Clive Mukundu (lead guitar) and Jairos Hambahamba (keyboard).

Tuku recruited two new band members, Charles Chipanga (marimba, backing vocals) and Vimbai Zimuto (mbira) -- both former performers with Umoja.

Mataure says Mtukudzi does not see the changes as "retrenchments", but a necessary step in his development.

He said: "We have been using guitars and key boards all these years and Tuku just thought we should try new sounds, with an African feel. So we are going back to the traditional instruments like marimba, mbira and hosho.

"These guys have not been fired. It's just a different concept that Oliver wants to concentrate on. Some of these guys have been around for five years, and that's a long time to be with a band in the music industry."

He says he would understand if some of the axed band members felt disappointed, but adds: "At the end of the day, we have to respect Tuku and what he wants to do with his music."

The new acoustic outfit has seven singers/guitarists and one engineer. The eight form the travelling party for the three UK shows in London, Leicester and Leeds this weekend.

Mataure also revealed that Mtukudzi's album which should have been launched on the current UK tour had run into production problems and had been sent to America.

"The album was finished, but a problem was encountered during production and we had to send it to the United States to be fixed. The recordings had been done, but a production issue was noticed and it was halted," he revealed.

The album is now expected to be released before the end of April or early May.

Tuku kicks off his UK tour on Good Friday, April 6, at the Stratford Rex in London (363 High Street, E15 4QZ). A day later (Saturday, April 7), he will perform at the Athenna in Leicester (Rutland Street, LE1 1RA) ending the tour at the Evolution, Cardigan Fields Retail Park, opposite Vue Cinema, Leeds (Kirkstall Road, LS4 2DG) on Sunday, April 8.

Advance tickets available online @ www.stellatickets.com. For more information call 079 400 304 29
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