Zimbabwe and fans across the globe are mourning following the death of music icon Oliver Mtukudzi who died at Avenues Clinic yesterday aged 66 amid a growing chorus for the superstar to be declared national hero.
With his husky voice, Mtukudzi became the most recognised voice to emerge out of Zimbabwe and make a mark onto the international scene, earning a devoted following across Africa and beyond.
He became an ambassador of Zimbabwean culture through his messages and songs have been appealing to different generations. President Emmerson Mnangagwa conveyed his condolence message through his Facebook page.
“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,” he said.
Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe has lost a commentator of love, social justice, social trials and tribulations of human existence but could not say anything about his status.
“Government conveys its heartfelt messages and sincere condolences to the Mtukudzi family over the passing on of the Zimbabwe and International Music Icon Oliver Tuku. This is not only a loss to the Mtukudzi family but a loss to our country, the whole of Africa and humanity at large. Through his music Tuku touched millions of hearts around the globe,” reads the statement.
Mutsvangwa said government would make consultations first before they make further announcements.
Mtukudzi’s death has led to calls for the superstar to be conferred national hero status with Norton Temba Mliswa leading the charge.
Writing on microblogging site, Twitter, Mliswa said he would write a letter to President Mnangagwa to “apply for national hero status for contribution to the music, arts and culture industry”.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Nicholas Moyo said Mtukudzi was a hero in the area he specialised in.
“We need to celebrate the great work the man has done because he was a cultural ambassador as his music is generational. The arts sector will be poor without Oliver Mtukudzi. He has assisted upcoming musicians, nurture them. He was indeed a hero,” he said.
Musician Alick Macheso said the music icon has played his part in marketing our culture as well as raising the country’s flag high on several occasions.
“He will remain a hero because he has done a lot in the industry. We have lost an icon here,” he said. Tribute for the musician poured in from across the globe. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi described Mtukudzi as a legendary musician and philanthropist. “
He touched so many souls through his beautiful music and humility. My condolences to his family and music,” Masisi said.
UN Zimbabwe said Mtukudzi was a great legend and advocate for social change, gender, equality and children’s rights.
“His premature demise is tremendous loss across the world,” it said. Jamaican reggae outfit Morgan Heritage described Mtukudzi as a giant of a musician and so humble at the same time.
“We pray the legacy of this great musician lives on forever. Our prayers go out to the family of Oliver Mtukudzi,” the group said. Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda said: “May Zimbabwean music legend
Oliver Mtukudzi rest in peace.”
The EU delegation in Zimbabwe said it was saddened and shocked adding Zimbabwe has lost its “most memorable voice today”.
“Thank you for the music, the memories and the difference you made to us and Zimbabwe,” it said.
South Africa’s Minister of Arts and culture Nati Mtetwa said: “A giant of African music has fallen with the passing of legendary musician, the one and only, Oliver Mtukudzi. From the depths of Harare his career blossomed like the flame lily flower and his artistic genius brought us together in good times and gave us hope during our darkest hour.”
DStv said: “From Zimbabwe to the world! Although the legendary Jazz musician – Oliver Mtukudzi has passed, his music will live on forever.”
Tuku was born on September 22, 1952 in Highfield, Harare was also a businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.
Tuku is considered Zimbabwe’s most renowned and internationally recognised cultural icon.
Mtukudzi began performing in 1977 when he joined the Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured Thomas Mapfumo. Their single Dzandimomotera went gold and Tuku’s first album followed, which was also a major success.
Mtukudzi had 66 albums.
