MUTARE – There are two reasons why Sakubva Stadium is not just another venue for Tuku. It is distinguished in his illustrious musical career and indeed in the history of music recording in Zimbabwe.

So, when Tuku travels to this sprawling old ghetto, on Friday 3 September for his last public show here this year, two memorable things will stand out about Sakubva.

On the night of 29 April 1989 Tuku made history. He held the ‘Tuku Live At Sakubva Concert’ where he recorded his first live album. And that was not the entire history that night. The recording was also the first live musical recording of Zimbabwe.

It was the days of the vinyl LPs and Tuku packed a good 12 tracks from the recording and produced two volumes which he released for the generous price of one. Another milestone!

Volume One tracks: Side A - 1. Right Direction 2. Pss-Pss Hallo 3. Mean What You Say. Side B - 1. Cheka Hukama 2. Crazy Chicken 3. Pamuromo Chete.

^ Tuku and The Black Spirits Sakubva bound.

Volume Two tracks: Side A – 1. Nditendereiwo 2.Whats Going On 3. Pfungwa Dzemunhu. Side B - 1.Chipembenene 2. Zindoenda 3. Nyanga Yenzou.

That historic night Tuku led a group of talented Black Spirits members who included Robert Mtukudzi (Keyboard), Moses Mullah (Lead guitar), Job Mteswa (Rhythm guitar), James Austin (Drums), Sam Mtowa (Drums/vocals), Joseph Alphas (Bass guitar), Basil Phiri (Sax) and Picky Kasamba (Vocals).

Fans came here from Bulawayo, Chipinge, Harare, Rusape, Chiredzi, Kwekwe, Gweru including neighbouring Mozambique. Simon Chimbetu, Illanga and Penga Udzoke were supporting artists at the concert. Tuku had been chasing a long time dream to record the first live album of Zimbabwe. After the recording he was naturally ecstatic and said the dream had come true.

Much of that history is probably new to the younger and newer fans of Tuku’s but it stands out gigantically in the annals of Zimbabwe’s musical history. All the reason why performing at Sakubva is always a great feeling for Tuku and The Black Spirits. – Shepherd Mutamba/tukumusik.com