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Arts Correspondent
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has described the recent induction of Oliver Mtukudzi into the Afro-pop Hall of Fame in the United States as a welcome move and an endorsement of the high quality of the arts sector in Zimbabwe. Mtukudzi added another feather to his glittering career after he received the honour from Georges Collinet of Afro-pop Worldwide, a Brooklyn-based radio station and online magazine dedicated to music from Africa and the African Diaspora.
The award is bestowed to African artistes who have excelled internationally and have managed to export African culture to international audience.
NACZ director Elvas Mari said the award showed that the country’s arts were being recognised worldwide.
“This only goes to assert the fact that arts sector in the country continues to grow. We are very happy with any recognition that is bestowed to our local artistes,” he said.
Mari said the arts council was also happy that Tuku, who is one of the board members, has been consistent in his execution of duty and growing the arts sector.
“This calls for jubilation because Tuku is our board member and we are waiting for official communication from the superstar to give our congratulatory message,” he said.
Mtukudzi joins an elite group of musicians who include Senegalese Youssou N’Dour, Oumou Sangare, Angelique Kidjo and countryman Thomas Mapfumo who are inducted in this Hall of Fame.
Tuku, as Oliver Mtukudzi is affectionately known, is currently on tour of the United States and Canada and received the award while performing at the Central Park Summer stage festival in the United States.
Afro-pop Worldwide, which was launched in 1988, is distributed by PRI Public Radio International to over 115 stations in the United States, as well as stations in Europe and Africa.
Tuku, who has bagged more than 20 awards in a career spanning over three decades remains the flagship of Zimbabwean music.
With more than 50 albums to his credit, Tuku started his music career in the early 1970s as a member of the Wagon Wheels Band.
Later, he started the Black Spirits which he fronts. With the Black Spirits, Tuku has released over 30 full-length albums and several compilations.
He is a household name in Zimbabwe and South Africa and is quite well known throughout Africa.
With his husky voice, he has become the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and onto the international scene and he has earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond.
He also incorporates elements of different musical traditions, giving his music a distinctive style, known to fans as “Tuku Music”.
Mtukudzi has held a number of tours around the world. He has been on several tours in the UK, US and Canada to perform for large audiences.
Oliver Mtukudzi’s music frequently tackles social issues, particularly poverty and HIV/Aids which is responsible for so much misery in Africa. Tuku sings in Shona along with Ndebele and English to cater for his growing audience.
Online Reporter