South African reggae musician Senzo Mthethwa is set to perform in the country once again and he returns after so many years.
The artist has a series of concerts line-up in the country and in all these shows; he will share the stage with local acts.
Thomson Madulira of Thom’s Park Investment, who is the brains behind Senzo’s concerts, said Thursday afternoon that he was travelling to Balaka with Senzo for him to start rehearsals ahead of the first show at Davido Lounge in Mangochi today.
“Senzo is here but we are travelling to Balaka now. He has to do rehearsals ready for shows,” Madulira said.
Madulira promised to call back when they arrive in Balaka but he could not be reached thereafter.
Last month, Madulira, said despite that the musician was popular in the 90s, they still felt people need to sample a variety of music.
“We thought we should bring some of these forgotten artists, his songs are still on the market and this is also a reminder to people that we have these legends,” Madulira said.
He maintained that they were serious with the shows and that Senzo will be in the country without fail.
“We want everyone to patronise his shows. The last time he was here, he only performed in top cities. Again, most international artists do not reach out to other areas. The target is mostly Blantyre and Lilongwe but we want everyone to enjoy,” he said.
Madulira also said the entry fee in all the shows is fair.
“We realise that the situation is not that good at the moment as regards money and with Covid, we thought we should be fair on the entry fee,” he said.
Coss Chiwalo of Alleluya Band said that they would be having rehearsals with Senzo Thursday night.
He indicated then that he had not yet connected with them.
Also known as Elder Senzo Mthethwa, the South African gospel reggae artist was popular in the 1990’s and managed to capture audiences as far as East and Central Africa.
He was Lucky Dube’s contemporary until his sudden disappearance from the scene.
In 2016, organisers of Sand Music Festival had indicated that he would perform at their festival but he failed.
The artist has had a strong following in the country rather than in South Africa and at one-time he plans to establish a recording studio with promoter Tailos Bakili of Tai B Promotions. The studio was scheduled to open in 1998 with the aim of promoting the country’s artists.
His song ‘Irene’ remains one of his best songs ever produced in the 1990s.
Alleluya Band is set to back the forgotten Senzo.
Posters for the shows have been flying and according to the itinerary, the shows start today at Davido Lounge and then Club 24/7 in Blantyre and then Modern Park in Balaka on Sunday.
The artist is also scheduled to perform at Chill Spot in Mchinji District on June 18 and then Glalle Gardens in Lilongwe on June 19 before winding up the weekend with a show at Dzalasapo Gardens in Salima District.
On June 25, the artist is expected to perform at Kasungu Culture Club before winding the nationwide tour with shows at Squirrels Park in Mzuzu on June 26 and Planet in Karonga on June 27.
The shows will see the South African act share the stage with acts such as Black Missionaries, Positive Yut, Giddes Chalamanda and Santy.
Alleluya Band leader Paul Subiri confirmed last month that they would be backing Senzo.
He said this is not the first time that they would be backing Senzo as they did so during his visit last time.
“He came with his band but some of the members fell ill and we had to come in and back him up for the remaining five shows. Backing him means that promoters trust us,” he said.
The Balaka-based group has also backed artists such as Zambia’s General Kanene.
