Prolific singer and story teller Luckson Chikutu popularly known as Manlukerz in showbiz circles is expected to arrive in the country on Sunday for the coveted National Arts Merit Awards slated for next week.
Manlukerz is among the nominees for a special category that involves Zimbabweans living in the diaspora.
“I am coming home on Sunday for NAMA ceremony,” said the Swedish based artiste adding “I would not miss the ceremony for anything else. Just being nominated means my fellow countrymen are noticing what I am doing to fly the Zimbabwean flag high”.
Manlukerz will battle it out against Donel Mangena and Black Panther actress Danai Gurira in the special category of Artist in the Diaspora.
The NAMA nomination comes barely after the trailblazing cultural ambassador scooped the prestigious award from Al-TV network Sweden for his role in promoting African culture.
The award came at a time that the maverick singer is celebrating twenty years in Sweden.
Due to his studies in music business. Manluckerz have evolved from just being a musician to
a Cultural Coordinator, Inter-Music Producer, Marketing Consultant, Artistic Director, Inter-Music Promoter, Inter-Artistic Advisory, Youths Coaching, Concept Development Event Management, Actor, Story Teller, Tourism and Cultural Author.
The singer who is celebrating 18 years in marriage is also the author of a cultural book called Flashback Identity.
“I managed to achieve my goals through focusing, determination, discipline and dedication. It is very important to plan in whatever you intend to do in life,” is Manluckerz’ advice to upcoming musicians.
He also reiterated the need for government to prioritize arts and culture.
Zimbabwe should put a budget for culture if the government is serious about promoting our tourism in other countries. Culture should have a budget. I created ZIMFEBI to promote Zimbabwe culture and tourism but when I got involved in an accident, the idea fizzled with me,” he said.
Chikutu is the man behind the annual Zimbabwe Music Festival Bira (ZIMFEB) was involved an accident that claimed two lives in 2015. He was in Zimbabwe for the festival.
Zimfeb was formed in April 2007.
