#MusicExchange: Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi & Mbeu release new single

This is the first release from the legendary musician since his passing three years ago. The song has the soul of Tuku and one can feel the labour of love that was poured into the song by both Mbeu and Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.

My Better Half is from Tuku’s upcoming body of work titled, Abiangu 2 which means “friends” in Shona (Chikorekore dialect), the follow up to Abiangu (Duets Of My Time) released in 2011. The duet is a ballad that celebrates finding “the one”, which is fitting as we’re nearing Valentine’s Day, in the month of love.

I caught up with the fantastic Afro-fusion musician Mbeu last week.

What is your job description?

Am a musician, I play the acoustic guitar, I lead my band the Mhodzi Tribe Band.

What does music mean to you?

Music to me is the rhythm to humanity. Can you imagine a world without music? A movie with no soundtrack? News bulletins with no soundtrack?

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My music is about…

It’s about social commentary, love and instilling hope and motivation in humanity.

What is your motto?

You are you man/woman, your destiny is in your hands.

Fame is about…

Being popular for a good cause.

Retirement will happen when…

When I die.

I don't do…

Don’t look down on anyone, all necessary connections you want are from around the people you meet and have met.

I would love to co-write with…

They are too many great songwriters, the list is endless.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

I am inspired by my everyday life.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Connecting with people through my music.

The song you must do during every show?

I don’t have any particular one, I love all my songs equally.

Any funny moments on stage?

When my band decides to start to play their own favourite song from my songs without my blessing.

My heroes are…

All the people who believe in my music.

My style icon is…

Because I am myself, I just strive to be better than my yesterday.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Well, my mentor the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, his background, how he grew up and what he achieved is an inspiration.

What is your most treasured possession?

My guitar.

It's your round; what are you drinking?

Fruit juice

Dream gig to do?

With everyone who loves my music on a very big open space and everyone singing along.

What makes you stand out?

I would say because am me, I am Mbeu.

Any nicknames?

Hmmmmm just Mbeu, my real name is Ashton Tapiwa Nyahora.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would still be a musician, lol.

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Pick five words to describe yourself?

Patient, curious, forgiving, accommodative and self-motivated.

What are you streaming?

Comedy movies.

Greatest movie ever made?

They are many.

What book are you reading?

Rich Dad Poor Dad

What song changed your life?

My own song, Hazvinei. Its self-motivating.

Who do you love?

God, family and my work, my career.

What is your favourite word?

Famba murume (in English means progress).

Top of your bucket list?

Just spreading my music every corner of the earth.

Your greatest achievement?

Making music.

What do you complain about most often?

People who don’t believe in themselves.

What is your biggest fear?

Angering God.

Happiness is…

Being yourself all the time.

On stage, I tend to…

Create new dances I will never be able to do again.

The best life lesson you have learned?

You are your own man.

Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?

Yes, I do, have recently done for people living with disabilities.

Wishes and dreams?

Just to continue making music.

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