Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE late music icon Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi should be smiling in his grave as his daughter, Selmor, continues to build on the legacy he left behind.
Despite enduring years of heartbreak, missed opportunities and public scrutiny, Selmor has remained resilient.
Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she has channelled her experiences into strengthening both her career and her resolve, emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished female musicians. The gifted Katekwe singer demonstrated exactly why she remains one of the country’s finest performers last weekend at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare, where she delivered a polished and captivating performance before an appreciative audience.
The occasion also marked the successful launch of her new initiative, Daughters of Legends, which brought together Tendai Chimombe, Ammara Brown, Atenda Chingaira and Saiwe Chimbetu
Together, the five artists 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, a lot 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 artists 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.
Selmor displayed remarkable maturity from start to finish, showcasing her artistry with absolute finesse.
She poured every ounce of her artistic energy into a night that proved she remains an artist par excellence.
“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 artist 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 cities 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.
