Zimpapers Logo

THE death of music superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi (66) has shaken Zimbabweans to the core with people from walks of life pouring out their hearts and paying homage to the larger than life character who mesmerised fans across the globe for decades with his melodious voice.

The legendary musician, who was yesterday unanimously declared a national hero by the ruling Zanu-PF Politburo, succumbed to heart failure at the Avenues Clinic in Harare on Wednesday afternoon – exactly a year after his close friend and fellow African musical giant Bra Hugh Masekela died.

Some might say the two legends are smiling down on us from heaven but the loss of Tuku to the Zimbabwean music scene is colossal and the void he has left will be hard to fill. Although he has battled various ailments over the years and Zimbabweans had come to terms with his ill-health, his death still shocked millions across the country and beyond our borders with plaudits and condolence messages pouring in from yesterday afternoon till now.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who paid his respects to the superstar’s family in Norton yesterday, said he learnt with deep shock and great sadness of the death of the international music icon, describing him as an expression of Zimbabwean identity and the country’s cultural ambassador.

In a statement, President Mnangagwa said: “It was with deep sense of shock and great sadness that I learnt of the death of our own legendary musician and artiste, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, who died at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.

“An international icon, the late Dr Mtukudzi has been our cultural ambassador throughout his illustrious musical career raising our national flag high wherever he went to perform here at home, on the African continent, and throughout the world”.

The President said Dr Mtukudzi was an expression of Zimbabwean identity. “He was an expression of Zimbabwean identity, a man of humble character, very affable and engaging in his own unique way through Tuku Music.

“The whole nation is all the poorer with his passing on. On behalf of Government, the party Zanu-PF, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Mtukudzi family, especially his wife, Daisy and children, during this their dark hour of grief. May they derive comfort from the knowledge that the arts world in particular and our Nation as a whole, share their deep pain and great loss. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said President Mnangagwa.

In South Africa where he was very popular, Tuku was trending on all social media platforms with various television and radio stations in that country paying tribute to him.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Twitter: “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of music legend & human rights activist Oliver Mtukudzi. He is immortalised through the contribution he made to the arts, with talent that fired up all of Africa. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. From his No. 1 fan in the whole world”.

The Economic Freedom Fighters party described Tuku as a musical giant who will be sorely missed. “We, in the Economic Emancipation Movement, send our heartfelt and revolutionary condolences on the passing of a musical icon of our time, Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi. We wish comfort to the hearts of his family, relatives, friends, Zimbabweans, and the world in general,” the party said.

Indeed Tuku was an icon and musical genius whose illustrious career epitomised the very essence of Zimbabwean cultural identity and ethos. With 66 albums to his name, Mtukudzi is credited with developing his own brand of Afro-Jazz known as Tuku Music. During the liberation struggle, he interacted with freedom fighters during his shows around the country and propagated their message through subtle means in his songs. Thus he contributed in his small way to the liberation of this country.

He was also a philanthropist through his Pakare Paye Centre in Norton where he nurtured and guided young artistes and budding musicians. That Mtukudzi is a national hero is not in doubt judging by the impact his death had on the country and his illustrious career.

His contribution to the cultural well-being of Zimbabwe is unparalleled and he remains one of their best exports to the world.

The Minister of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation Kirsty Coventry and the National Arts Council recommended that he be declared a national hero with the request being acceded to by President Mnangagwa, the Government and ruling Zanu-PF party.

He leaves a rich legacy which young musicians should emulate. Tuku led an exemplary life and was down to earth, humble and approachable despite his international fame. He was a family man through and through and leaves behind a wife, Daisy, five children and two grandchildren. Among his children, Selmor and Sam (late) took after him and embarked on musical careers of their own.

We join the nation in mourning this illustrious Son of the Soil. Rest in Peace Tuku. Rest in Peace Samanyanga.