By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network
NEW YORK | HARARE (IDN) – After 67 albums and a score of awards and honorary degrees, Zimbabwe’s musical legend Oliver Mtudkudzi – affectionately known as ‘Tuku’ – lost his long battle with diabetes at the Avenues Clinic in Harare. He was 66.
He was buried January 27, with music, singing and dancing by thousands of his adoring fans.
On the Afropop music website, guitarist Banning Eyre recalled his friend: “Born in 1952, ‘Tuku’ grew up during the final decades of Rhodesian rule. He was a contemporary of Thomas Mapfumo, and both came of age during the brutal independence struggle of the 1970s, as Zimbabweans fought hard for liberation from the oppressive, racist Rhodesian regime.
“The two singers briefly worked together, then spending the next four decades as champions of roots music, particularly drawing on the musical traditions of the Shona people.
“Mtukudzi’s distinctive blend of traditional rhythms – mbira, jerusarema, muchongoya and many others – with elements of South African mbaqanga, American gospel, soul and more, became universally recognized as ‘tuku music’. His lyrics were full of sage advice on good living – honesty, compassion for others, avoiding the scourges of alcohol and drug abuse and the maladies that accompany them. But he delivered these messages in a gentle, fatherly way. He exemplified the very qualities he celebrated.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared him a national hero, a status normally held by ruling party elites and independence veterans. He tweeted on January 23: “Today we said goodbye to a true patriot. Oliver Mtukudzi, your voice has given us comfort during difficult times, and will remain with us for posterity. Rest in peace comrade.”
In later years, Tuku developed the talents of young musicians, some of whom were nurtured at his Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, outside Harare.
He produced songs with the South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo as well as with his friend Hugh Masekela – the “father of South African jazz” – who died the same day in 2018.
Tuku’s last album was “Hany’Ga” – which Mtukudzi defined as “concern”.
A tireless advocate to end child marriage, he composed the song ‘Haasati Aziva’ (‘You can’t pledge your child for marriage’) and most recently, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, he authored an opinion editorial in Zimbabwe’s Herald newspaper, calling for an end to this harmful practice.
The UN named him Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in Eastern and Southern Africa, promoting children’s rights and HIV awareness. He became the first Zimbabwean personality among other prominent sports, music and movie stars to work with UNICEF in advocating for children’s rights.
His appointment in 2011 came on the occasion of commemorations of the Day of the African Child, during which ‘Tuku’ spent the day with children at a UNICEF-hosted ‘Voices of Children’ event. More than 300 children from different parts of the country got a chance to interact with him. Senior government officials, donors, UN agencies, civil society organisations and prominent sports personalities also attended.
On his appointment as Goodwill Ambassador, UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe Peter Salama said: “Through his 40-year music career, ‘Tuku’ has championed the plight of the African child. His songs such as ‘Todii’, and ‘Street Kids’, not only question society’s response to HIV and AIDS and to children living on the streets, but have motivated great progress around these issues.” [IDN-InDepthNews – 29 January 2019]
Photo: Afropop. “Tuku’s band evolved over the years, always maintaining a fundamental integrity. In his late career, his sons performed with him. One son, Sam, was on his way to a promising solo career when he died in a car accident in 2010.” – Banning Eye.
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