The Sunday News
Reports have surfaced that music veteran Oliver Mtukudzi’s 65th album Eheka! Nhai Yawhe was already in the public’s hands ahead of its release.
Tracks from the album were already selling at close to nothing on the streets and were also available on internet download sites as early as August. The much awaited album was officially launched at a colourful invite-only ceremony held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton on 22 September. It is, however, unclear whether the musician knew that his album was already in circulation but during the launch, he gave a speech, directed at pirates.
“Piracy is caused by an attitude. It’s a bad attitude that proves individuals don’t respect that work of an artiste. Because if one is to consider the difficult process that an artiste goes through to produce an album or piece of work, then they would not pirate the work,” Mtukudzi said.
However, when contacted for comment, Mtukudzi’s manager Sam Matare dismissed the issue.
“I am sure there are a lot more important issues that we can discuss other than this. I do not know who did it and I do not plan to go on a witch hunt to find out who did it. None of that matters. I cannot say whether or not this will affect album sales since the album was only released last week,” he said.
Eheka! Nhai Yawhe, which features the single “Bhiza RaMambo” featuring Hugh Masekela, clocks in at 12 tracks.
Collaborations also include Muvhango’s Maduvha Madima and Tuku’s wife Daisy. – Nkosilesisa Ncube
