World mourns musician Mtukudzi

A YEAR ago yesterday, Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi described his relationship with South African artist Hugh Masekela as a natural one.

Paying tribute to Masekela, who died on 23 January aged 78, Mtukudzi said they were of the same feather, and that they flock together.

As if those words were prophetic, Mtukudzi died aged 66 in a Harare hospital on the same date – 23 January – his friend died. understands that Mtukudzi had been in an intensive care unit since late last year.

Although his family had not officially confirmed the death by yesterday, several media outlets across the world carried the story.

Within hours of the announcement, thousands of condolence messages started pouring in via social networking sites.

Not only was Mtukudzi 66 years old, but he also left a record 66 albums to his name. He also won several awards both in his home country and abroad.

Over the years during a career that spans more than 40 years, Mtukudzi became known all over the world for his mellow sounds that capture human suffering, compassion and love for one another.

Most Namibians fell in love with Mtukudzi’s song Todii that talks about the desperate times humankind finds itself in because of HIV.

Although Mtukudzi never had an opportunity to collaborate with Namibian musicians, he, however, shared stages with most of them.

During his last performance in Windhoek in 2017, Mtukudzi shared the stage with Sally Boss Madam, Ndilimani Cultural Troupe, Oteya, PDK and Famaz Attack.

Sally Boss Madam yesterday said it was ironic that Mtukudzi died on the first anniversary of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe’s performance alongside Mtukudzi at the concert as well as a previous show at Zoo Park in 2015.

Ndilimani operations manager Jessy Nombanza said Mtukudzi was a great artist, and his death was a significant loss for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world at large.

“It was a great honour for anyone who shared the stage with him. We felt uplifted by his spirit. He performed in wonderful style. While he would not use a lot of instruments, listening to him felt like listening to a 30-piece band. He was a legend,” Nombanza said.

Rapper Jblack, who has sampled Oliver Mtukudzi’s ‘Todii’, told that the passing of the legendary singer saddened him. He described Mtukudzi’s music as touching and timeless.

“I sampled ‘Todii’ about five years ago, but only released the song in 2018. I was inspired by the message of the song, which is awareness on HIV-AIDS,” said Jblack.

Poet and creative soul Ashwyn Mberi was heartbroken to hear the news of Mtukudzi’s passing. “It’s tragic,” he said.

“He raised an entire generation of Zimbabweans and Africans. He was a true example of when art can give strength and healing. When music can unite. Even when he didn’t perform in English, he proved music is a language. His music was a symphony to last for eternity.”

PDK’s Patrick Mwashindange, who said they played with Mtukudzi on three occasions, described him as an African legend.

“I am yet to see any other Zimbabwean artist who has the whole region following him. He inspired me. He showed me that one could succeed without changing their languages,” Mwashindange said.

Ogopa Butterfly owner and music promoter Sula Kyababa said he wanted to bring Mtukudzi and another Zimbabwean musician this year for Oteya’s anniversary.

“We were at the quotations stage,” Kyababa said, adding that it was a shock.

PDM president McHenry Venaani described Mtukudzi as an “internationally recognised cultural icon of all time”, and that he will remain a symbol of African greatness.

“Mtukudzi was a businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and Unicef goodwill ambassador for the southern African region,” he said. “He shall forever remain a symbol of African greatness, and joins the pantheon of those who struggled and triumphed amid immense challenges.”

Venaani added that Mtukudzi leaves a legacy that is in many respects unmatched, and that his music will continue to inspire the generations that follow.

Tributes On Twitter

@lebomashile: Exactly one year to the day after Bra Hugh died, and in the middle of yet another explosive crisis in Zim. Oh, Tuku. You will be missed. Thank you for the glorious music, and for being such a wonderful African statesman for the arts. #RestInPowerOliverMtukudzi

@merylrm: Oliver Mtukudzi’s death feels almost like a part of our history being wiped out somehow – like the music industry just lost a bit of colour and light.

@TuliTokyo: Rest in peace, great one, your spirit will live on through your music.

– Additional reporting by Cindy van Wyk and Michael Kayunde

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