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Trust Khosa
SELMOR Mtukudzi’s camp has finally confirmed its participation at the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Arts Festival (OMIFA) after consultations with some stakeholders.
The two-day festival, scheduled for Pakare Paye in Norton on September 21 and 22, sparked public outrage after Selmor’s omission from the initial line-up released by event organisers.
It emerged there was a communication breakdown between Selmor’s camp and Tuku Music, the festival organisers.
Selmor cleared the air yesterday and confirmed her participation at OMIFA 2024 on social media.
“To all who spoke up for me, you have been amazing. I’m humbled by the love you have for my father which has extended over to me.
“I will not take it for granted. For that reason and in honour of my father’s legacy, I will be coming to Pakare Paye. Let’s do this right. I love you all,” said Selmor on her X handle.
The Herald Arts can confirm that top arts promoter and family friend, Josh Hozheri, mediated between Selmor and Tuku Music representatives and other partners.
“I sat down Selmor, festival director Samantha (Mtukudzi), and partners Marcus Gora and Diva Mwale to iron out the issue.
“After receiving a phone call from Diva Mwale yesterday (Tuesday) I intervened basically for two reasons; my own relationship with Tuku and I am happy to see his legacy being promoted and celebrated in the right manner.
“Another reason is that music is for the people. You can’t take or do a production with a divided audience. After seeing the comments on social media, the people had spoken. Selmor has agreed to come and perform, which is good for the protection of Tuku’s brand,” he said.
Hozheri, who worked with the late legendary musician during his lifetime, said it was easy for him to mediate the talks.
“I have known this family for years, and I was also affected by the public outcry.
“A person of Oliver Mtukudzi’s calibre deserves to be honoured in a big way, and not this chaos we were reading about on social media.”
Hozheri said Tuku’s daughter, Sandra, who is based in the United Kingdom, is also coming for the show.
A plane ticket for her has already been bought to “ensure she is not left out”.
“We want the presence of Tuku to be felt at this event. As a family friend, the matter is about protecting Tuku’s name from being tarnished further,” he added.
Selmor’s inclusion on the line-up has been embraced by fans who are urging the family to unite.
Some fans were already threatening to boycott while others called for dialogue.
Selmor now joins a star-studded line-up comprising Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, Gemma Griffiths, Bryan K, Mary Anibal, Djembe Monks, Andy Muridzo, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nisha Ts, Mwendamberi (Solution GC), Taffie Matiure, Gwevedzi ReDefined and Aaron Myers & Trio (US), who are the headline acts.
Norton-based artistes comprising Vazukuru veAFRICA, Innosaint Sax, Munya Nyamarebvu, Jay Watta, the Black Spirits featuring Mbeu, Donald Kanyuchi and Sarungano are also set to perform.
Performances in theatre, dance, and spoken word will also mark the two-day event.
A fashion show will also be held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
Tuku succumbed to diabetes complications on January 23, 2019.
He was 66.
Tuku was accorded national hero status and was buried at his Madziva homestead in Mashonaland Central province.
Tuku would have been celebrating his 72nd birthday on September 22 this year.
Online Reporter