Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
FOR decades, Zimbabwe’s arts industry has largely looked to sons to carry forward the legacies of legendary musicians, often overlooking daughters as worthy heirs to their parents’ musical heritage.
From the late John Chibadura and Tongai Moyo to Leonard Dembo, Muchapedza “Tedious” Matsito, Biggie Tembo, Simon and Naison Chimbetu, it has mostly been their sons who have been thrust into the spotlight as custodians of their fathers’ legacies.
This long-standing trend has left many questioning why daughters who also possess the talent and passion to continue their parents’ work have largely remained on the fringes.
Determined to challenge that perception, Selmor Mtukudzi, the daughter of music legend and national hero Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, has launched a new initiative dubbed “Daughters of Music Legends,” a movement aimed at celebrating and preserving the legacies of Zimbabwe’s iconic musicians through their daughters.
The concept was first presented in 2013 by Selmor at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).
That year, she shared the festival’s main stage with South African reggae legend Lucky Dube’s daughter, Nkulee, in what became the project’s debut. Thirteen years later, Selmor has revived the concept, bringing together a formidable line-up comprising herself, Tendai Chimombe, Atenda Chinx, Ammara Brown, and Saiwe Chimbetu.
Together, the five artistes will pay tribute to their legendary fathers — James Chimombe, Dick Chingaira (Cde Chinx), Oliver Mtukudzi, Andy Brown, and Simon Chimbetu — in a concert that celebrates both their enduring musical legacies and the daughters carrying the torch into a new era.
The movement will officially be launched on July 25 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare, marking what promises to be a landmark moment in Zimbabwe’s music industry.
Selmor said she was looking forward to the movement being a success after being joined by the talented quartet to make them five.
“We have had different experiences,” she said.
“I believe fans have been very supportive of us. When we announced the upcoming show, my Facebook page blew up with people’s excitement.
“It was a show they had been waiting for, and I’m so glad that we are finally coming together to make it happen.
“The promoters have given us some opportunities here and there, but we hope they can invite us even more going forward.”
With attention mainly on sons of music legends, Selmor has vowed to change the narrative.
“We do not need to be matching anyone. I think every artiste should run their own race and achieve their own goals. My request would be that as artistes we continue to work together and collaborate where necessary, whether male or female.”
She, however, conceded that the daughters of legends faced many challenges.
“The major challenge we face is that of lack of funding to be able to put up these kinds of shows, but thankfully Nyaradzo, through their Sahwigate, has come through for us. They have played a critical role in order to have this movement happening, and we are very grateful to them.”
She added: “If there is ever going to be one show that someone has to attend this year, it is this one. Fans will not only get to watch their favourite artistes performing, but they will also hear even their favourite hits from yesteryear. It’s going to be a show where we take you down memory lane and travel with you to today. People shouldn’t miss it for anything.
“We are planning to take this to other cities in the country and then go regional and even internationally. Our plan is to create a tour so that everybody can experience this amazing show.”
She also explained how she came up with the concept.
“This concept came about in 2013, when we presented it to HIFA, and they loved it. I shared the stage with Lucky Dube’s daughter, Nkulee, and we filled up the main stage. I have wanted to repeat it, but funds were not permitting, and so I’m very happy that Nyaradzo saw the vision and believed in it, and they agreed to come on board.
“I want to thank the fans for always showing up and showing us love. We are super excited about this show, and I can’t wait for people to see what we have planned for them.”
