Online Reporter
OLIVER Mtukudzi would have turned 73 yesterday.
Tuku, whose birthday was celebrated posthumously, was born on September 22, 1952, in Highfield, Harare.
He lost his battle with diabetes on January 23, 2019, at the age of 66.
His legacy is celebrated through song and dance every year.
This year, he was honoured at the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of Arts (OMIFA), at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, at the weekend.
The Tuku Trial Marathon was also held in his honour at Lake Chivero.
Over two days, superstar Jah Prayzah led a cast of artists who paid tribute to the legend.
Garry Tight, who was backed by the Black Spirits, delivered a fine performance, honouring Tuku’s legacy by singing the late icon’s songs − a privilege which was granted to him by Tuku himself.
The youthful crooner performed with a touch of excellence, bringing all his artistic verve after being called to the stage by Samantha Mtukudzi, who fronts the new-look Black Spirits.
Gary said Tuku was more than a father figure to him and he was the man who gave him all the confidence he needed.
He revealed that Tuku always wanted him to excel and treated him the same way he treated his son Sam.
He said everything that he has acquired, he gained from Tuku.
Agga Nyabinde, another product of Pakare Paye, said Tuku played a big role in him pursuing his dreams of becoming a musician.
The lead vocalist of Tonga outfit Mokoomba, Mathias Muzaza, also spoke glowingly about Tuku.
He said wherever they go on tour around the world, people talk about Tuku and they have learned to appreciate him as one of our legends.
“We will always cherish the good work he did for us and that alone makes us happy to be associated with his legacy because he supported us over the years.
“He taught us how to perform and be original,” he said.
We all miss Tuku.
His legacy will live forever.
We are happy as H-Metro that we did not see any of the drama which has stalked events related to honouring Tuku in the past.
What we saw in Norton at the weekend was very orderly and all the focus was on honouring the legend and not coming up with some sideshows.
This is the right way that we should be honouring a man like Tuku.
Yes, there are still some family issues that have to be dealt with.
But, we should never allow those issues to spoil the celebrations of such a great man who did a lot, not only for our music, but for our country. Tuku is the greatest music ambassador that has come from our country.
No other Zimbabwean musician managed to create a profile as big as Tuku on the world stage.
That is why we should honour him in the best way possible and the events in Norton at the weekend were a fitting tribute to the great man.
