Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
January marks the beginning of a new year, bringing with it hope and renewal.
However, it also opens a sombre chapter in the world of showbiz.
The recent passing of Zimbabwe’s iconic figures − Zex Manatsa, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi − casts a shadow over the music scene.
This legendary trio shaped the Zimbabwean music landscape and played a pivotal role in putting the country on the world map as cultural icons.
Departed music icons Zex Manatsa, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe and Oliver Mtukudzi will be remembered this month.
Manatsa passed away on January 20, 2022 aged 78.
His death has robbed the creative community of a father figure who was not only a genius but an architect who laid the foundation for Zimbabwean music.
Manatsa battled cancer for years before he breathed his last.
His counterpart, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, died on January 23, 2019, at the age of 66.
Oliver Mtukudzi
Tuku succumbed to complications from diabetes, leaving a void that is hard to fill.
The footloose son of Katekwe was declared a national hero. Tuku’s remains were interred at his Madziwa homestead in Mashonaland Central.
Seven years after his death, Tuku’s music remains wonderful, and the crooner’s legacy has stood the test of time.
He is yet another icon who died in January and is still missed for his creative edge.
Joining this list of icons who departed this world is the mbira queen, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe.
She lost her battle against a brain tumor on January 20, 2023, at the age of 76. Mbuya Chiweshe was buried in the traditional way at her homestead in Nekati Village in Masembura, near Bindura.
Three years after her death, her daughter, Virginia Mukwesha, has been doing her best to ensure that the former cultural ambassador’s legacy remains intact.
She has also worked hard to maintain both Mbuya Chiweshe’s Masembura homestead and the Goromonzi holiday retreat.
Following the death of these three icons, their legacies are still being celebrated.
One such legacy is that of Tuku, who is honored through various festivities.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Tuku’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, described January as an emotional month, seven years after her husband’s passing.
“We are still nursing the pain, and it feels like yesterday,” Daisy shared.
“I still miss him, but there is nothing we can do to bring him back. He was a loving husband who cared for us, and we will always cherish the good things he taught us. It’s just difficult to think of life without him, but we will continue celebrating his legacy.”
Daisy also praised fans who continue to respect Tuku for the impressive body of work he built.
“Tuku was an icon to us, and I am glad when people genuinely celebrate his legacy. He was a national treasure, which is why many people still honor him. We will remember him with the Tuku Half Marathon event set for February 1,” asserted Daisy.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Green Manatsa, the eldest son of Zex, leader of the Green Arrows Band.
“It’s now four years after his death, and we still miss him for all the teachings he used to give us,” he stressed.
“Some of my siblings are yet to heal, especially Freedom, but we continue to give each other strength to soldier on. As usual, we are going to hold a family event, lay wreaths on his grave, and try to organize a mini concert to celebrate his legacy.
“Last year, we held an event at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign (Harare) and we hope to hold something bigger this year.”
As for Mbuya Chiweshe’s family, a family event will also be held led by Virginia.
Mbuya Stella Chiweshe
Her daughter, who is equally a talented mbira player, has expressed eagerness to revive Mbuya Chiweshe’s legacy.
She has been developing a hospitality hub and arts centre as per Mbuya Chiweshe’s wishes.
