Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi was on stage, belting out one of his popular tunes and the whole auditorium, which was simmering with a massive audience, sang along and danced to the superstar’s well-crafted lyrics and exciting beat.
He cut the song midway and attracted the attention of everyone in the venue. Tuku simply said that there was something special he wanted to announce. He took his time, smiled at his attentive audience and then suddenly burst into a loud and emphatic song: “Happy birthday to you Sulu”.Suddenly, Dino Mudondo and Willom Tight joined Tuku on stage. The singing grew louder and the audience sang along with vigour and excitement.
Then, Sulumani Chimbetu emerged from behind the stage, clad in a colourful jean suit that glittered to stage lights. He was mobbed on stage as promoters and fellow musicians joyfully sang for the “birthday boy”.
It was Chimbetu’s 29th birthday and the event, a live show featuring all the aforementioned musicians, turned into a party.
Chimbetu could not contain his excitement. A trumpet blew loud, guitars strummed immaculately and the sound of drums deafened the audience’s collective vocals.
He danced, smiled, whistled and ululated to everyone’s delight. Like a massive orchestra, the audience broke into a celebratory song until Tuku signalled off the instruments. The singing grew louder and louder and a deafening sound engulfed the auditorium.
Even show promoter, Josh Hozheri, could not resist the temptation of taking a microphone to exhibit his vocal capability – he is not a good singer but that gesture injected frenzy into the appreciative audience. It was fun and excitement for about 30 minutes.
Then, a cake was brought onto the stage courtesy of Jazz 105 Promotions. It was a well-designed rectangular piece with Chimbetu’s picture on top. The ‘birthday boy’ cut the cake amid ululations and whistling. It was just a unique event.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mtukudzi then took a comic swipe at Chimbetu through the song Bvuma, which reminded the latter that he would soon be advanced in age.
Presents were thrown onto the stage and the partying went on. Chimbetu was humbled by his fans and fellow musicians’ gesture.
“I am very excited and honoured to celebrate my birthday with you. This is a special day for you and me. I am happy to celebrate this day with you,” said Chimbetu.
The show, which was opened by Tight and Mudondo, saw Tuku wowing the crowd with his classic hits while Chimbetu serenaded fans to early hours of Saturday.
