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Musician and sculptor Bryn Mteki, popularly known as Sekuru Tau, has been quiet for a while, leaving many wondering whether he is still an artist or has just sunk into oblivion. Despite having been touted as a possible contender to fill in the void left by Dr Thomas Mapfumo in the Chimurenga genre, the artist maintains his music is not any way in the Chimurenga category, as many would like to believe. Entertainment Editor Ruth Butaumocho caught up with Mteki (BM) to get an update on what he has been doing.
RB: Can you tell us where you have been hibernating in the last few years?
BM: There is a difference between hibernating and being busy. I am nomadic between Europe, United States, South Africa and Zimbabwe. I have been all over the show, trying to promote my works. I have since opened a gallery in Sweden and have held a series of exhibitions in Chicago, Boston and California. On the music side, I have opened offices in Johannesburg. You see, I have been very busy.
RB: People know you as both a sculptor and a musician, where are you more inclined?
BM: Sculptor and music are my daily bread. I was born from a family of sculptors and in terms of music, It was R Kelly who inspired me to get into music. I devote my time to music and sculpture, which are part of my earthly life till death do us part.
RB: How best can you describe your music?
BM: My music is called African Roots not Chimurenga music as some people have often said in the newspapers. Chimurenga music is for Dr Thomas Mapfumo.
RB: One of your notable achievements was the sculpture “Chippi” that became the official motif and emblem of 1996 All Africa Games. Did you make money out of it Sekuru Tau?
BM: Yes I did make money which was my life changer. I am not at liberty to give the amount, but it really made a difference in my life.
RB: In 2003 you stood in the Zanu-PF primaries for the Highfield by-election, which you lost to war veteran Joseph Chinotimba. Do you have any plans to get into politics again?
BM: For the record, I didn’t lose the election to anyone, but I paved way for Cde Chinotimba due to the tight schedules I had regarding my work. I had several exhibitions lined up that I could not ignore. I seriously thought about it and it dawned on me that I needed to concentrate on my work. Plans to get into politics? Well I can’t really say no or yes. The people would have to decide if they want me to represent them, as was the case in 2003.
RB: In 2006, you launched a music stable called Sekuru Tau World Music. Can you tell us what has been happening with the studio?
BM: The music stable has been very busy, like I indicated earlier. We have since set up shop in Joburg, and my music is readily available on YouTube. I am currently negotiating with R Kelly and Enrique Eglesias for some collaboration. I have also struck deals in Denmark with a label called Zammo and in Great Britain through Quality Music Video and Film Production and Worldwide Distribution.
RB: In 2007 you released an album with Tuku’s daughter Selmor, titled “Vadzoka”. How did it fare on the market?
BM: Surprisingly that album was a hit on the international market. It was distributed to my partners in the music industry through my label.
RB: Two years ago, you had plans to release your ninth album with your daughter (Caroline). Can you tell us more about the project?
BM: I had planned to release it during the World Cup 2010, but failed to meet the deadlines. We have since started working on the videos and let me say, it will be ready soon. The music is available on YouTube, but of course, we are working on the album so that it meets the international standards.
RB: Last week you handed over a sculpture entitled “Proudly Zimbabwean” to Cde Mzembi after winning the African Investor Tourism Award for the Best African Tourism Minister. What inspired you to do that?
BM: My company Mteki World Art Private Limited and in my personal capacity as the director, sculptor and musician decided to hand over a piece of sculpture titled “Proudly Zimbabwean” to the Honourable Minister.
This was to mark and record his winning of the African Investor Tourism Award for the Best African Tourism Minister. The minister has done us proud as artistes. His scooping of the award will definitely increase Zimbabwe’s exposure on the global scene and place this determination on high pedestal. Personally, I have always admired Engineer Mzembi. I envy him, his perseverance, his age and his determination.
RB: What are your plans?
BM: I am planning to hold live shows in the near future, a deal that I am currently working on with a local record label and my company. I will also be introducing a new sculptor, my wife Patience-Annie Mteki. She will be joining a list of few Zimbabwean female sculptors. Of course I am also finalising work on my album with my daughter. It is a 10-track album, a world class piece of art.
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