There is no doubt in my mind that Tuku definitely still has it. It was only the second performance of his I have seen and I was certainly not disappointed. We arrived early and it looked for a while like the vibe was going to be very chilled. How wrong we were.

The night started with a super young fresh band called Zion Originated. The lads nailed it from start to finish with an intro that set an excellent tone for the rest of their performance – enthusiastic! With a bongo drummer, a drummer, a bassist, a marimba player, a saxophonist and lead singer/guitarist, there were some great solos and duets throughout the performance.  The band interacted with each other and the crowd in a very engaging way. It was an excellent warm up to the man himself, and great to see the youth being given a chance in this context.

The crowd had now grown in number and the Book Café was electric with anticipation,with as many people standing as seated, I would estimate of 200 people. As the man walked on everyone was entranced, his stage presence is overwhelming.  I’m sure some people couldn’t believe it was actually him until about two songs in. Some were singing along, others ululating, many just staring as Tuku proceeded to dance, play, sing and school each person individually and the group as a whole. Without doubt his highlights were his talk about how parents stifle and push their children to be people they are not naturally and, of course, his one handed guitar playing whilst dancing – he must be in the top 5 people in the world at this particular skill.

It was the sort of concert that grew organically so by the crescendo at the end, 90 percent of the crowd were on their feet dancing and singing. Being a mixed crowd there was an atmosphere of togetherness and sharing over this great man. Wonderful to see in our new progressive Zimbabwe.

At $20 this event was not cheap but I must say it’s probably the best way I’ve used $20 all year. To see so many smiling faces led by one wise and amazing man was a spectacle in itself.

Thank you Tuku for continuing to inspire all of us in our lives!

Dave is our website guru and an avid Tuku fan. Tuku played on Wednesday, 19 June 2013.