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The Sunday Mail, 7
September 1980
OLIVER Mtukudzi is really a Zimbabwean superstar. His latest LP “Africa” which features his new single, “Zimbabwe”, promises to be one of his biggest sellers, according to a local recording company.
Said a spokesperson for a local record company: “Since the release in 1977 of his first single, ‘Dzandimomotera’, Oliver has sold more than 250 000 discs in Zimbabwe alone — a staggering performance by any artiste.
“To date he has released 27 singles and four LPs. Oliver must also be the first and only Zimbabwean artiste to have successful sales of cassettes. One of his albums has already been released on cassette and sold extremely well.”
His backing group is the five-man Black Spirits. They met casually in a night club and decided to form a group called the Wagon Wheels, with Jimmie Austin on the drums, Joseph Alpheus on the bass, Robert Mtukudzi (brother of Oliver) on rhythm and Bartholomew on lead.
Their first hit “Dzandimomotera”, was composed by Oliver, who is now their leader and singer.
The record stayed in the top 10 hit parade for more than 10 weeks. Then Oliver and his group got a contract with a nightclub in Highfield, changing their name to Black Spirits.
A follow-up smash hit, “Mutavara”, was released a week before Christmas. ”Mutavara” and “Dzandimomotera” both won gold discs.
“Ndiri bofu”, a seven single, was released early in 1978, and Oliver and his group then recorded their first LP called “Ndipeiwo zano”.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
National hero Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi is a legend whose artistic career spanned almost five decades. Despite his departure, his music will live forever.
Mtukudzi could have turned 68 this month. He left a rich legacy in the music, business and philanthropic arenas.
Tuku was also the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa. Great Zimbabwe University recognised his contribution to Zimbabwe’s development by awarding him an honorary doctorate.
A superstar par excellence, Tuku’s talent was recognised internationally. Some of the accolades he bagged include the prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit award from the Italian government; the Reel Award Winner for Best African Languages, the KORA award for best African Male Artiste, to name but a few.
He was one of the few musicians who did collaborative work with local and international artistes – males and females, together with upcoming musicians.
His Pakare Paya arts centre did a lot to promote Zimbabwean young artistes.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter