He was a cultural icon for the southern African country.
His aura and presence had a global resonance with fans around the world, yet the man remained humble and magnanimous.
Mtukudzi died in Harare after a long battle with diabetes, ironically enough on exactly the same day as his friend, the musician Bra Hugh Masekela, who passed away on 23 January 2018.
He was also a businessperson, activist, philanthropist and a goodwill ambassador for Unicef in the southern African region. But it was his innovative music that made him deeply loved.
Dubbed “Tuku music”, it was a blend of southern African music traditions including mbira, mbaqanga, jit and the traditional drumming styles of the Korekore.
The Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the late Oliver Mtukudzi, one Africa’s most iconic musicians, a national hero – an award historically reserved only for the ruling party elite.
Mtukudzi’s career stretched from white minority-ruled Rhodesia to majority-ruled Zimbabwe, producing a string of hits that spread his fame to an international audience.
He released hits such as – Into Yami (Ringo Madlingozi), Neria (Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Todii” (What shall we do?) and Hanya ‘Ga (Concern), amongst others.
At the time of publishing messages of condolences were still streaming in worldwide.
He was 65 at the time of his death.
Sleep well “Tuku”, the world of music is poorer without you…
