On July 23rd, the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi and his group The Black Spirits were my invited guests on Music Time in Africa. They’re on tour promoting Sarawoga, Oliver’s 61st album to date.
I met the whole band as it rolled into the VOA headquarters parking lot. But Oliver entered the building alone, just he and his guitar and a simple backpack. When I asked about the rest of the group, he laughed and said, “Oh, they’re out having fun somewhere!” I was looking forward to hearing the Black Spirits and getting to know them all, and I was not disappointed. On the contrary, as Oliver was settling into the studio, I realized with the thrill and excitement of a school girl meeting face to face with her first crush, that I was going to have him all to myself.
The next thirty minutes with Oliver opened my heart to Zimbabwe and opened my mind to the power of music to soothe the human soul. Tuku’s velvet raspy voice and mbira inspired guitar style are entrancing. In song and conversation, he speaks about things that matter to him as a father, as an artist, and as a living legend and doyen of Zimbabwean musical culture. Enjoy Oliver Mtukudzi as I did in this unplugged interview from Studio 4.
6 responses to “Thirty Minutes with Oliver Mtukudzi”
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Thank you so much for such a pleasant and informative interview.
Merci beaucoup
Modibo
Hey Modibo! I’m glad you liked the interview.
Hi
A great interview, I can imagine. Oliver has stood the test of time, and produces music that is out of this world. It will be a pleasure to hear more of his recordings on your show.
I enjoy every second of your shows. They are well researched and bring out that flare that make you feel the music.
Well done!
Dear Trust,
Thank you very much. So glad you liked my interview with Oliver. He is simply amazing isn’t he? I hope you get a chance to watch some of the others I’ve done since Oliver last year. Stay blessed.
Heather