Tuku disappoints fans

In the middle of the song Munondipasa Manyemwe from his latest album Dairai. a visibly angry Mtukudzi stopped performing and left the stage with his band members, much to the disappointment of the crowd. The shows promoter, Patson Chimboza, of Chipaz Promotions tried to talk to Tuku into returning to the stage, but he refused.

The fan, identified as Robson Mashava from Sakubva high density suburb, was whisked away by the police. In an interview with this reporter later in the show Mashava said: “I just touched the speaker and there was no disturbance. The sound was there and I do not know why Tuku stopped playing.” Fans expressed anger over Tuku’s actions and said he showed a high level of unprofessionalism. “We did not expect this from a man like Tuku. He should have just ignored that because it did not disturb the sound or his performance,” said Farai Nleya, a fan who had attended the show.

“He (Tuku) is proud for nothing. He thinks he is too special. I do not see the reason why he abandoned performing because of that petty incident. I came all the way from Chipinge to watch him, then he performs for less than two hours. I am very disappointed with him,” said another angry fan. Efforts to get a comment from Chimboza and Mtukudzi proved fruitless.

The show was also marred by overzealous bouncers at the entrance gates who harassed innocent fans who wanted to pay to enter.

“I think the promoter should have his house in order because I was harassed by some overzealous bouncers who manhandled me in front of my wife and kids when I had paid all the tickets for my family and car, said an angry fan.

However, other performers Tongai “Dehwa” Moyo and Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima saved the day by putting up spirited performances.

Dehwa took the stage after Tukus departure and, despite his illness, produced a scintillating performance, complimented by his dancers. The Kwekwe-based musician, who seems to have regained his status as one of the best performers in sungura circles, played songs from his upcoming album, Toita Basa (Doing The Job).

The darling of the crowd and man of the moment was Kapfupi, who shook the audience with songs from his chart busting album, Juice Card. He and his partner Marabha sending the crowd into frenzy. “It’s nice to perform in front of a big crowd like this one. I am overwhelmed by the huge support that I am receiving. I feel very humbled to perform alongside big musicians like Tuku and Dehwa,” said Kapfupi in a back stage interview.