The DSE News Network
This week The Sunday Express and the DSE News Network have the pleasure of sitting down with Selmor Mtukudzi and husband Tendai Manatsa.
In conversation ahead of the Selmor Mtukudzi: A Celebration of Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s Life – coming to the Hard Rock Cafe, Sandton on September 13.
The show will be proudly supported by Mr V ScoreBeatz and Irie Dread on the decks.
On the Sunday Express we are great fans of Selmor Mtukudzi and having watched the Selmor Mtukudzi – Remembering Tuku Concert Ft Steve Dyer & Vusi Mahlasela: which was recorded in performance at the Joburg Theatre round about May 29 or 30 2021: right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic – we are of the view that Joburg fans are in for a block buster in September.
This is how the interview went:
DSE News Network: Hello Selmor and thank you for your time to speak to the Sunday Express ahead of the upcoming show at Hard Rock Cafe in Sandton. Is this your first show in Johannesburg since 2021
Selmor Mtukudzi:
Yes it’s my first show in Johannesburg since 2021.
I’m excited to perform at Hard Rock Cafe in Johannesburg on September 13, 2025, as part of a special tribute concert celebrating my father, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s life and legacy.
Fans can expect a powerful and heartfelt evening of music, stories, and soul-stirring performance. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the Johannesburg audience.
2
DSE News Network: We have wanted to ask this question for a long time: Is Selmor Mtukudzi backed by the Black Spirits? Please name the band members who make up your band at present.
Selmor Mtukudzi:
I worked with some of the Black Spirits members on recording of my album Dehwe ReNzou which was produced by Steve Dyer. I did this album in honour of my father after he passed on and I worked with three of his long time members namely Sam Mataure (Drums), Picky Kasamba (Vocals and Percussion), and Never Mpofu (Bass guitar). I however don’t work with them anymore as they have since retired.
My current band members are Tendai Manatsa (lead and acoustic guitar), Givemore Gawaza (Keys) Archieford Chikoti (Lead guitar), Ronald Mhundwa (Bass guitar), Tapiwa Chishiri (Drums), Liz Dube (Vocals) and Dorcas Kambarami (Vocals).
On the Joburg Theatre show I worked with my father’s long time bassist and Black Spirits member, Never Mpofu, who has retired but joins on some shows from time to time. I also work with my sister Sandra Mtukudzi who is part of my management team.
3
DSE News Network: We see that at Joburg Theatre you had brought in South African legends like Steve Dyer and Vusi Mahlasela to perform alongside you – and these musicians had worked with Dr Mtukudzi over the years. Please describe what those two legends brought to the performance at Joburg Theatre on that day in 2021?
Selmor Mtukudzi
Working with Steve Dyer and Vusi Mahlasela at the Joburg Theatre was an incredible experience. These legendary musicians brought their unique perspectives and talents to the performance, paying tribute to my father’s legacy and creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
4
DSE News Network: Please describe your relationship with the hosho instrument. What goes into mixing hosho, dance and lead vocals (three techniques) at the same time – and do it all live on stage?
Selmor Mtukudzi
The hosho is a vital part of Zimbabwean music and culture. As a musician, I’ve developed a deep connection with the instrument, which allows me to add rhythm and depth to my performances.
5
DSE News Network: In the Joburg Theatre show you said that Mzansi audiences have a particular set of Dr Oliver Mtukudzi songs which they (apparently) love and they always request. What is the particular relationship between those songs by Mtukudzi, and the SA audiences?
Selmor Mtukudzi
While I don’t have the exact setlist from the Joburg Theatre show, my father’s music has a universal appeal that transcends borders. His songs often spoke to the human experience, love, and social commentary, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Songs like Todii, Bvuma and Kunze Kwadoka have always been favourites for the SA audience.
6
DSE News Network: So this upcoming show: It is a celebration of Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s Life:
Please tell us more about the significance of the upcoming September 13 show – and what it really means to be honouring Dr Oliver Mtukudzi this year 2025? Your father had a particular relationship with South Africa and he did collaborations with names like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ringo Madlingozi and others…
Selmor Mtukudzi
The upcoming show is a celebration of my father’s life, legacy, and music. It’s a chance for fans to come together and honour his contributions to African music and culture.
Given his collaborations with South African artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Ringo Madlingozi, this show is particularly special because it has been a while since my last performance in Joburg. I’m also determined to continue doing this every year and keep my father’s legacy alive.
- DSE News Network: So we have come to the end of the interview and thank you for your time and for this article to be published in the Sunday Express and the DSE News Network.
What surprises are in store for the fans on September 13, and to those who haven’t bought tickets yet – what is your message to them?
Selmor Mtukudzi
On September 13, fans can expect a night filled with great music, stories, and tributes to my father’s legacy. To those who haven’t bought tickets yet, I invite you to join us for this special celebration.
Let’s come together to honor Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi’s memory and keep his music alive.
All Information, Press Inquiries:
Contact: Gumption Entertainment
Richard Philani Dube
(+27) 60 327 9271
