Mataz jets in for Tuku, Ishmael UK tour

Mataz jets in for Tuku, Ishmael UK tour

DJ TICH MATAZ: Brace yourselves

• Tuku takes his subtle, discreet protest music to UK audiences

• Zimbabwe keeps protest music muffled

• Tuku brings Somerville crowd to its feet

By Showbiz Reporter

SOUTH Africa's Ishmael spoke to New Zimbabwe ahead of tonight's live concert with Oliver Mtukudzi at the Sanctuary in Milton Keynes, England.

He spoke as top DJ Tich Mataz arrived to join the tour.

Ishmael told us: "It will only be my second show in the UK and I hope the fans will come with a positive attitude and enjoy themselves."

Ishmael, famous for hits like ‘Avulekile Amasango’ and ‘Roba Letseka' also revealed that he had parted ways with Arthur Mafokate's production company 999 Studios for Peisho Productions and was expecting to release his new album in mid-September.

"I have done three albums with Arthur. I am half-way through my next album which will be out next month. It will be a mixture of R'n'B, kwaito and gospel," Ishamel said.

Ishmael is being supported by DJ Gibson Ncube on the tour.

We asked him why he had left his backing vocals to which he responded: "It was my decision to have Gibson supporting me."

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST
Oliver Mtukudzi and Ishmael, Live at the Santuary, MILTON KEYNES, supported by Tich Mataz and Gibson Ncube

Zimbabwe's top DJ Tich Mataz arrived Thursday to join the tour which has taken Mtukudzi and Ishmael to Birmingham, Bradford and Bristol so far. After the London show, the party rolls into Milton Keynes on Saturday.

Mataz told us: "There is a lot of new stuff from Zimbabwe which I brought along. People should brace themselves."

Mataz revealed that he was now a broadcasting consultant in several southern African countries and his company Khulumani Productions was also exploring new business opportunities in Kenya.

He was full of praise for Zimbabweans setting up businesses in western countries. "We are now a different breed. The harsh life in Zimbabwe has made our youth more sharper and raised new awareness. The future can only be bright for Zimbabwe."
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