Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Selmor Mtukudzi is no doubt a daughter of the late music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, but she remains her own lady.
Courage, enthusiasm and focus have taken her places.
She demonstrated her fearless courage by successfully launching her movement dubbed Daughters of Legends launched at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare at the weekend.
The occasion also marked the successful launch of her new initiative, which brought together Tendai Chimombe, Ammara Brown, Atenda Chingaira and Saiwe Chimbetu.
Together, the five artistes paid tribute to their legendary fathers — James Chimombe, Dickson Chingaira (Cde Chinx), Oliver Mtukudzi, Andy Brown and Simon Chimbetu — in a concert celebrating their enduring musical legacies while showcasing the daughters proudly carrying the torch into a new era.
Beyond the entertainment, the initiative sent a powerful message about preserving Zimbabwe’s musical heritage. For years, much of the attention has been directed towards sons of music legends, but Selmor’s project has shifted the spotlight to daughters who have quietly worked to honour and preserve their fathers’ legacies. Judging by the enthusiastic reception from fans, the concept has already struck a chord with audiences.
The concert also demonstrated the importance of unity among the daughters of music icons. Instead of competing against one another, the artistes embraced collaboration, creating a memorable evening that celebrated family legacies while inspiring a new generation of female musicians. Their chemistry on stage reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that the music of their fathers continues to resonate with future generations.
As the torch-bearer of the initiative, Selmor displayed remarkable maturity from start to finish, showcasing her artistry with absolute finesse.
To say she was in top form would be an understatement. Magical perhaps best describes the quality of her performance.
She poured every ounce of her artistic energy into a night that proved she remains an artiste of the people.
Love her or loathe her, Selmor is the real deal.
“You can hate her, but she is extremely good,” an enthusiastic fan was heard saying.
Complementing her performance was Atenda Chingaira, who was accompanied by her mother, Ntombizodwa Mangota, the second wife of the late Dickson Chingaira.
“We love music because it is our calling,” she said after her performance.
“I am glad that fans have embraced us like this.
“Atenda is going places. I will always be there for her because she is honouring her late father.
“Believe it or not, Atenda is the real deal and she knows her craft.”
Ammara Brown was equally impressive, while every artiste on the line-up delivered performances that kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
Following the successful Harare launch, Selmor has vowed to take the movement to other towns before eventually expanding beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“My vision is to take this regionally and also include other daughters of legends internationally. I see this carrying on for generations to come, where people continue to celebrate girls for taking over after their fathers,” she said.
Although the movement has begun with daughters of music legends, Selmor stressed that it is not exclusive.
“We are open to taking in daughters of both living and past legends,” she said.
With daughters of celebrated figures from other artistic disciplines expressing interest in joining, Selmor clarified the long-term vision.
“We are only starting with music, but with time we would love to include daughters of legends in theatre and other art forms too.”
The concept was first conceived in 2013 when Selmor presented it to 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, marking the project’s debut.
It was a delight watching Selmor do what she does best. Backed by her husband, Tendai Manatsa, and their son, Ben, she proved beyond doubt that Oliver Mtukudzi’s legacy remains vibrant and relevant. Likewise, the late Zex Manatsa would be proud to see both Tendai and Ben continuing the family’s rich musical tradition.
More than seven years after Oliver Mtukudzi’s passing, Selmor has stepped out of her father’s towering shadow to establish a legacy of her own.
Through talent, perseverance and visionary leadership, she is not only safeguarding the Mtukudzi name but also creating opportunities for other daughters of music legends to shine. If the launch of Daughters of Legends is anything to go by, Selmor is writing a new chapter in Zimbabwean music—one that celebrates heritage while confidently embracing the future.
