Slaves leader snubs Lucius

The Slaves lead singer Thuthukani ‘Chief’ Cele, famous for the hit single Usizi, is not coming for the three city music tour organised by Lucius Banda’s Impakt Events.

In an interview with The Nation from South Africa yesterday, Thuthukani said: “We have been negotiating with Jai Banda since last year for September this year, but postponed for next year.”

He further said he could not agree to two promoters for a Malawi show even though they are few months apart.

“I had to keep my word to one promoter who came first. It’s so important to me not to break promises and it’s a mistake for them [Lucius Banda] to advertise my name without my knowledge,” he said.

Asked as to who is coming then for the shows in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, he said: “No way, we are not coming. I’m the lead singer of the Slaves so if I’m not there, no one is. Lucky Dube Band only is coming. Jah bless, we will be coming next year when our new albums are well promoted properly.”

Lucius, however, says he is not aware of any changes. He told The Nation yesterday that the Slaves is a band that Thuthukani uses when holding his shows while he still remains part of Lucky Dube’s band.

But Thukhutani said the original Slaves comprise him on lead vocals, Chris Kandoje on lead guitar, Jabu Sibumbe on bass, Chris Dlamin on percusions,  Vulindlela Yeni and Jabu Mdluli on brass and Ray Mohono on drums.

“We were with Lucky Dube all over until we recorded our first album Kneel Down and the second Talking Reggae. After we parted, what remained with Lucky Dube was Lucky Dube Band,” he said.

“What is coming there [Malawi] is Lucky Dube Band not the Slaves.”

Lucius also pointed out that all payments were made to have Thuthukani with the Slaves to come to Malawi.

Asked on the same, Thuthukani said he has not received any money from Lucius.

“I only received commitment fee from Jai Banda for next year’s show,” he said.

Lucky Dube’s band will first perform in Blantyre at Chez Ntemba tonight before proceeding to Lilongwe on the New Year’s Eve  for a crossover show at M1 Centre Point. The tour ends in Mzuzu at Squirrels Park on January 1. n