The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
MUSIC fans, promoters and musicians world over were plunged into mourning following the death of music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi who succumbed to diabetes at Avenues Clinic in Harare on Wednesday.Tuku, who was 66, had 66 albums to date and was working on his 67th album.
Mutare-based musicians and show promoters such as Hosiah Chipanga, Bob Nyabinde, Blessing Shumba, Tendai Chitova described Tuku as a legendary musician and philanthropist and requested that the granddad of Zim music be given a National Hero status because of his immense contribution to the music, arts and culture industry during his four-decade career.
Veteran musician, Hosiah Chipanga, says he has Tuku to thank after his music was banned by Censorship Board during the Ian Smith regime. Chipanga would release singles that the Smith Government perceived was loaded with severe political innuendos. Chipanga, who has 26 albums, shared the stage with Tuku at several national galas as well as The Platinum (Ex Pick and Save).
“Tuku realised that I was talented. It was heartbreaking when the Smith regime banned my first single “Kudai Ndakaziva” in 1979. He took me on board at Record and Tape Promotions when I left Gramma because those days, popular groups such Devera Ngwena Jazz Band were being given preferential treatment.
“Ray Makahamadze (Tich Makahamadze’s father) was the producer at RTP and it was because of Tuku that I released my first album titled “Mabasa.” That’s when Hosiah Chipanga was born musically. Tuku was a unique musician. We have lost a pillar. He will be irreplaceable. I remember how he discovered and nurtured Pengaudzoke’s talent down in Beatrice and enabled them to release at RTP. May his dear soul rest in peace,” said a tearful Chipanga.
Manicaland born and Chabuda Hapana hit-maker, Bob Nyabinde was at a loss of words.
He said: “The legacy that Tuku created will always inspire current and future generations. The industry will never be the same again without him. He was a sociable person who would go a long way to assist others. I remember his bold statement at the famous Sakubva concert live recording at Sakubva Stadium in 1988 when he said, ‘Bob kubatsira mumwe musician hakutapudzi tarenda rangu’.
“He helped many musicians, notably Pengaudzoke, when the group was in its infancy.
“He also nurtured my son Aggab Tafadzwa Nyabinde, who is now his own man in the music industry.
“I remember when he put up a sterling performance in Kenya particularly the song “Todii” before journalists traced him to Zimbabwe to do a documentary about him. His guitar-strumming prowess was next to none,” he said.
Gospel musician Blessing Shumba had this to say: “Tuku is irreplaceable. He was a secular musician who knew God. His gospel albums speak for themselves.
“He was a blessed musician whose lyrics were morally enriching. We can safely say as a Christian community we have lost an icon. We hope that some veteran musicians will inspire others just like Tuku did.”
Veteran show promoter and businessman Tendai Chitova who was one of the first promoters to bring Tuku to Mutare several times at the then Chapter One leisure centre said Tuku deserves national hero status. Many will remember the Tuku @ 60 birthday anniversary which was held at his joint and Tuku put up a top drawer performance.
“He deserves to be given a national hero status. I hosted Tuku at my joint more than three times and he would do his best. He is an icon whose huge void will be difficult to fill.
“The Tuku @ 60 was a remarkable event that drew scores of people from across the nation.
“I remember when the joint was razed by fire, he advised me to renovate it so that he could have more shows. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Many will also remember his yearly gigs at Montclair Hotel in the majestic Nyanga.
“May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
