Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
FOR decades, Zimbabwe’s arts industry has largely looked to sons to carry forward the legacies of legendary musicians.
Determined to challenge that perception, Selmor Mtukudzi, has launched a new initiative dubbed ‘Daughters of Music Legends.’
It is a movement aimed at celebrating and preserving the legacies of Zimbabwe’s iconic musicians through their daughters.
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.Thirteen years later, Selmor has revived the concept, bringing together a formidable line-up comprising herself, Tendai Chimombe, Atenda Chinx, Ammara Brown and Saiwe Chimbetu.
Together, the five artists will pay tribute to their legendary fathers — James Chimombe, Dick Chingaira (Cde Chinx), Oliver Mtukudzi, Andy Brown and Simon Chimbetu — in a concert that celebrates both their enduring musical legacies and the daughters carrying the torch into a new era.
The movement will officially be launched on July 25 in Harare, marking what promises to be a landmark moment in Zimbabwe’s music industry.
“We have had different experiences,” she said.
“I believe fans have been very supportive of us. When we announced the upcoming show my Facebook page blew up with people’s excitement.
“It was a show they had been waiting for and I’m so glad that we are finally coming together to make it happen at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.
“The promoters have given some of opportunities here and there but we hope they can invite us even more going forward.”
She added:
“We do not need to be matching anyone. I think every artist should run their own race and achieve their own goals.
“My request would be that as artists we continue to work together and collaborate where necessary whether male or female.
“The major challenge we face is that of lack of funding to be able to put up these kinds of shows, but thankfully Nyaradzo through their Sahwigate has come through for us.
“We are planning to take this to other cities in the country and then go regional and even internationally.
“Our plan is to create a tour so that everybody can experience this amazing show.”
She also explained how she came up with the concept.
“This concept came about in 2013 where we presented it to HIFA and they loved it. I shared the stage with Lucky Dube’s daughter Nkulee and we filled up the main stage. “I have wanted to repeat it but funds were not permitting and so I’m very happy that Nyaradzo saw the vision and believed in it and they agreed to come on board.”
