Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
OLIVER “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy, says she still speaks to the legendary musician in her dreams.
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day Mtukudzi died.
The Black Spirits leader, who was declared a national hero, lost his battle against diabetes on January 23, 2019.
He was 66. His family chose to have Tuku’s remains interred at his Madziva homestead in Mashonaland Central province. A large turnout was recorded at his send-off, befitting the star he was.
Seven years after his death, Tuku’s loss continues to be deeply felt by his family, fans and friends.
A true music ambassador and mentor, Tuku represented Zimbabwe with pride wherever he went and will be remembered for his creativity and mentorship programmes.
The revered singer, who released over 60 albums during his lifetime, left behind a legacy of success.
As has become the norm, Tuku’s death is commemorated with a series of events celebrating the impressive body of work he built over the years.
Last year, his family and friends honoured his Golden Jubilee, albeit posthumously, as he started his musical journey in 1975.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Daisy said the family still misses the late crooner.
“It’s still hard to accept that Tuku is no more,” she said.
“His absence is hard to bear and, most of the time, I talk to him in my dreams as if he has visited someone and will be back. A lot has happened since his death but we continue to celebrate the good deeds he accomplished.
“We are always praying that his legacy lives on while protecting it from being tarnished, as he was a smart person who loved everyone.”
She added:“Obviously, we are hosting events on the day he died and a major event to celebrate his legacy will be held on February 1st at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre here in Norton.
“We will host the fourth edition of the Oliver Mtukudzi Memorial Half Marathon at Pakare Paye Arts Centre, as has become customary.
“Last year, 500 runners registered with us, and we expect yet another big crowd.” She also revealed that Tuku enjoyed exercising, which kept him fit over the years. “He loved exercising a lot, it was a secret to staying fit on the stage over the years. Tuku was also an advocate against gender-based violence and other social ills.“This marathon is meant to remember the valuable teachings he shared with the world, which helped him thrive in the creative sector.”
She expressed gratitude to Tuku’s fans worldwide for honouring her husband.
“I can’t thank his fans enough. Everywhere we go, they still cherish him and respect everything he did for the creative sector. He was not only a legend in his homeland but was also adored overseas, a market he penetrated effortlessly.
“Authenticity and hard work were paramount to him, and our hope is that his legacy continues to live on.
“There shall come a time when we want the tears we are shedding to water down the seeds of love and unity he sowed during his lifetime, allowing them to flourish.”
Tuku was born on September 22, 1952, and he died on January 23, 2019.
The Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) has become a permanent feature on the showbiz calendar, while the memorial half marathon is another big occasion to honour the legend.
His impressive body of art, built over the years, stands for both friends and foes to see and learn from.
