COVID-19 disturbs ManLuckerz’s goal in Sweden
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
SWEDEN-BASED Zimbabwean singer Makandire Luckson “ManLuckerz” Chikutu says the covid-19 pandemic disrupted his goal of spreading Zimbabwean traditional music to Europe.
ManLuckerz is the mastermind behind Zimbabwe Music Bira, a cultural exchange festival that has seen a number of local artists travel to the Scandinavian country for live performances.
ManLuckerz spoke from his base in Uppsala City and said that COVID-19 had deported artists to digital artists.
“In making music, my driving force is a deep – rooted desire to strengthen relationships and build bridges to Africa between different cultures through music.
“Off stage, this is also embraced through cultural exchanges, workshops and lectures,” he said.
“We appreciate the support from various stakeholders and fans in general when we try to survive in such a difficult COVID-19 environment.
“Meanwhile, we have not yet started live shows that attract physical audiences.”
“In this current covid-19 environment, people are afraid of physical gatherings.
“We plan to start livestreaming again as we prepare for the launch of our upcoming six-track album titled Rongeka-Be Organized on March 23. “
ManLuckerz, also known as the cultural ambassador, said that his upcoming album tried to advise people with high dreams and ambitions to organize to achieve their goals.
“The main message of the album is to say Rongeka in a foreign country by spreading your culture in a positive way to people.
“Feel proud of your culture. Being organized includes building the necessary friendships for collaboration, making calculated assessments before action and doing a possible thing at a given time,” he says.
“The album is also an encouragement for one to set high goals, have confidence and self-confidence and work hard towards set goals.”
“It also looks at how to deal with other people who may have a negative impact on one’s dreams. It is about listening, understanding and respecting, but not falling victim to the opinions of others. ”
Songs on the upcoming album are Rongeka, Ukama, Zvidhakwa, Tapiwa, Ngwavha-Ngwavha and Pombi Yadonha.
ManLuckerz is backed by The Zim-Traditional Unity band.
Their music depicts societal vices that are hardly talked about in Zimbabwe, such as abuse and abuse of women / children, rape, corruption and other social problems.
The band has performed at festivals in different countries, Sofia Galan in Järna, with Weeffect at Bio Rio, Swedish churches, the World Culture Museum in Stockholm, in Europe and the USA.
They have shared the stage with great artists, such as the late Andy Brown, Ambuya vaMadhinga Jesina, Mbira Dzenharira, Selmor Mtukudzi, Hope Masike and Eric Saade from Sweden, among others.
ManLuckerz has so far released six albums namely Macharangwanda / Remain, Pandiri / Where I am. Madhinga / Jesina: Identification. Gutu / My roots, Mai NaBaba Molly / An (appreciation to her parents) and Ndundu-Madhaiza (a flashback identity of the old-fashioned tradition)
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