Monday, June 01

Selmor Mtukudzi Bares Her Soul

Award-winning afro-jazz songstress Selmor Mtukudzi (SM) continues to consolidate her music career, especially in the wake of her father, music superstar and national hero, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s death.

She recently clinched an ambassadorial role with a local vehicle hire company, Impala Car Rental, as her brand has been on a growth trajectory. Selmor is currently recording her new album at Steve Dyer’s studios in Johannesburg, South Africa. She speaks to NewsDay (ND) Life & Style reporter Freeman Makopa. Below are excepts of the interview.

ND: You are in the middle of recording your new album, what are you promising your fans?

SM: It has been wonderful working with Steve Dyer on this album, and I promise the best quality production than ever before.

I was privileged to have the likes of (original Black Spirits band members) Piki Kasamba, Never Mpofu and Sam Mataure laying their hands on the project. I am excited for those who are going to be able to listen to my new album.

ND: Are you aiming to reach the same level as your late father? And what is your strategy?

SM: My aim is to run my own race and to reach where God intends me to get to. My strategy is to keep on working hard and to continue to make music.

ND: What are some of the challenges that you face as a female musician?

SM: The biggest challenge is that the relevant people do not take us seriously. They still do not value us compared to our male colleagues.

ND: How do you feel about that as a female musician?

SM: It is so heartbreaking and disappointing to see that some promoters are still so ignorant and primitive in thinking that a female artiste is not worth what the males are. We need to pay attention to that!

ND: Generally, how has been your music journey so far? Has it been an easy road?

SM: My journey has been long, with winding roads filled with twigs and thorns, ups and downs. There have been moments were I thought I would drown, but found myself floating. Although I have not arrived yet, I am happy with how far I have come.

ND Who do you say inspired you the most, and have you always dreamt of becoming a recognised musician or you had other aspirations?

SM I have always wanted to take music as a career. I knew I would do it from when I was a little girl, having been part of big productions in the country as a 10-year-old. I believe my path was predestined.

ND How are you balancing being a musician and a wife?

SM It is just the same as everybody else. There is no formula.

ND: Does being Tuku’s daughter help you deal with fame associated with celebrity status?

SM: Having been born to a famous father, fame is nothing new to me. There is really nothing special about it. I am a human being just like everyone else. The fact that people see me on television and in newspapers —it is just my job!

ND: How do you deal with negative publicity?

SM: I pay no attention to negative publicity. I do not let it get to my head.

ND: You were recently appointed Impala Car Rental ambassador. How do you feel about that? What impact do you think this will have on your career as a musician?

SM: I am extremely excited to be working with Impala, and I am humbled that they chose me to be their brand ambassador.

Having my brand associated with great brands like Impala is such an honour, and I am thrilled to see what the future will bring.

ND Who are some of the people behind your success?

SM: First and foremost, it is my husband Tendai (Manatsa), who is my rock and everything. There is also my sister, Sandra, who is my partner in “crime”. My entire family has generally been supportive.

My band has been there with me, through everything. Special mention also goes to Givy Gawaza for his loyalty. My management team has been great, and my secret sponsors have made it all possible. Over and above them all, it has been my fans, those who have loved my music from the beginning and also those who recently joined us. I appreciate their support, and they are the people behind my success so far.

 

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Climate Change and Global Environmental Challenges

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. Rising global temperatures, severe weather events, melting glaciers, and increasing sea levels are affecting millions of people worldwide. Scientists warn that continued greenhouse gas emissions could lead to devastating environmental, economic, and social consequences if urgent action is not taken.

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One major cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These activities release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping heat and contributing to global warming. Deforestation, industrial pollution, and unsustainable agricultural practices also worsen environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

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Climate change affects both developed and developing countries. In Africa, droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns threaten food security and agriculture. Coastal communities face flooding risks due to rising sea levels, while extreme weather events such as hurricanes and wildfires continue increasing globally. These environmental challenges also place economic pressure on governments and vulnerable populations.

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Renewable energy technologies such as solar power, wind energy, and hydroelectric systems offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Many countries are investing heavily in clean energy infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. Environmental experts emphasize the importance of international cooperation, conservation efforts, and public awareness campaigns in addressing climate change effectively.

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Employment Class Action Lawsuit: Wage, Overtime, and Worker Rights

employment class action lawsuit, wage and hour class action, overtime lawsuit, unpaid wages lawyer, employee class action attorney, worker rights lawsuit

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Employment Class Action Lawsuit: Wage, Overtime, and Worker Rights

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When one employee is underpaid, it may be a mistake. When hundreds or thousands of workers are underpaid in the same way, it may become an employment class action lawsuit.

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Employment class actions can help workers challenge company-wide policies that allegedly violate wage, hour, discrimination, or labor laws.

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These cases may involve unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, misclassification, meal breaks, unpaid commissions, background check violations, or discriminatory practices.

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What Is an Employment Class Action?

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An employment class action is a lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of workers with similar legal claims against an employer.

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The workers may have been affected by the same:

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Pay policy
rnTimekeeping system
rnJob classification
rnBreak policy
rnCommission plan
rnBackground check process
rnHiring practice
rnScheduling practice
rnWorkplace rule

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In federal court, class actions must satisfy Rule 23 requirements, including common legal or factual questions and adequate representation.

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Common Employment Class Action Claims

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Unpaid Overtime

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Employees may claim they worked more than 40 hours per week but were not properly paid overtime.

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Off-the-Clock Work

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Workers may claim they were required to work before clocking in, after clocking out, during unpaid breaks, or while responding to messages outside scheduled hours.

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Misclassification

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Some workers may claim they were wrongly classified as independent contractors or exempt employees.

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Meal and Rest Break Violations

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State laws may require certain meal or rest breaks. Violations can affect many workers.

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Unpaid Commissions or Bonuses

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Sales employees may bring claims over unpaid commissions, incentive pay, or bonus plans.

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Discrimination Class Actions

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Workers may challenge company-wide discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, or termination.

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What Evidence Helps Workers?

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Useful evidence may include:

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Pay stubs
rnTime records
rnSchedules
rnEmails
rnText messages
rnCompany policies
rnEmployee handbook
rnJob descriptions
rnCommission agreements
rnClock-in records
rnWitness statements
rnPerformance records

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Workers should save documents when legally allowed and avoid deleting important communications.

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Can You Be Fired for Joining a Lawsuit?

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Retaliation laws may protect employees who assert workplace rights. However, retaliation issues can be complicated.

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If you fear retaliation, speak with an employment lawyer before taking action.

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Class Action vs. Collective Action

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Wage cases may involve class actions, collective actions, or both, depending on the law.

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For example, some federal wage claims use a collective action process where workers may need to opt in.

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The exact procedure depends on the claim and jurisdiction.

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What Can Workers Recover?

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Employment settlements may include:

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Unpaid wages
rnOvertime pay
rnPenalties
rnInterest
rnPolicy changes
rnAttorney fees
rnInjunctive relief
rnRecordkeeping improvements

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The amount depends on the case, law, number of workers, and damages.

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What Employers Usually Argue

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Employers may argue:

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Workers were properly paid
rnEmployees were exempt
rnTime records are accurate
rnClaims are too individualized
rnClass treatment is improper
rnPolicies were lawful
rnDamages are overstated

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Employment class actions can be strongly contested.

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When to Contact an Employment Class Action Lawyer

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You may want legal help if:

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Many workers have the same pay problem
rnOvertime was denied
rnEmployees worked off the clock
rnBreaks were missed due to company policy
rnWorkers were wrongly treated as contractors
rnPay stubs do not match hours worked
rnA company-wide policy seems unfair or illegal

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Final Thoughts

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Employment class action lawsuits can help workers challenge widespread workplace violations.

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If your employer’s pay or workplace policy affected many employees the same way, legal options may exist.

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Save records, avoid guessing, and speak with a qualified employment attorney.

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