adminGLOWING tributes in memory of the late Samson Mtukudzi, who died on March 15, 2010, were quite touching.
Sam is the son of the late national hero and music legend, Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi, and he’d naturally been groomed to take over Tuku music and continue with his father’s legacy.
Unfortunately, the cruel hand of death took Tuku’s heir apparent in a tragic car accident at the age of 21.
And 13 years after his death, his departure remains hard to take, particularly considering the way he died, and the promise he had shown independent of his legendary father.
A creative genius who steadily built his profile, Sam was indeed a big loss to the music industry. His departure left a void on the local music landscape that has proved hard to fill.
This could be the reason the Tuku family is now feeling empty.
The death of Tuku in 2019 at the age of 66 was like a hammer blow to the family, and it has evidently affected the family’s music.
Sad and painful as it might be to lose such musical geniuses from one family, we need, as a nation, to cherish the departed duo who played their part in raising the Zimbabwean flag high one the international music stage.
Our tears should water the seeds of fine artistry displayed father and son.
Tuku and Sam join a long list of great Zimbabwean musicians that departed such as Leonard Dembo, Biggie Tembo, System Tazvida, Paul Matavire, Andy Brown, John Chibadura, James Chimombe, Marshal Munhumumwe, Zex Manatsa, Cephas Mashakada and Tobias Areketa, among others.
Sadly, the whole lot were only appreciated after they had passed away, and they were only commemorated when they were gone.
Our music stars go through a lot to produce good create music which can entertains us for decades.
For them to compose timeless classics, they also invest a lot of time and resources in their jobs.
As such, the best way to honour our stars in their lifetime is through supporting them by purchasing their original products and merchandise.
Being ambassadors wherever they go, we should always support them for the good job they are doing in promoting #Brand Zimbabwe.
As Zimbabweans, we should have a change of mind-set and learn to support our artists by stopping piracy and buying their music from official selling points.
Events planners and promoters should also pay our artists well as part of saluting them to ensure they don’t struggle during their lifetime.
We don’t want hypocrites who are good at giving touching eulogies on graveside when our artists are being lowered yet they would have fleeced them during in their living years.
On the other hand, artists should also know their value to avoid exploitation. This can only be attained if they engage professional and focused handlers.
As we celebrate Sam’s life, let’s also remember to honour both living and departed legends.
This honour should also be extended to legends in other arts disciplines comprising theatre, the spoken word, film and television, visual artists, dance and literature.
Let’s not specialise in scattering roses after our artists are gone. Let’s give them now while they carry on.
Online Reporter