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Mathew Masinge
IT’S NOW SETTLED!
SELMOR Mtukudzi will be among the top acts at her late father’s two-day festival slated for Pakare Paye Arts Centre, Norton on September 21 and 22.
Tuku died on January 23, 2019, aged 66 after losing his battle with diabetes and would have turned 72 on September 22.
Dubbed: The “Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts” OMIFA, the inaugural edition will be held in honour of the late music icon.
However, this week the event had been marred with controversy after Selmor was initially left out among the performing artists.
Some sections on social media were calling for invited artistes and fans to snub the event in protest over Selmor’s exclusion.
Long story short, Selmor is now first on the list of headline acts that include Jah Prayzah, Mokoomba, Feli Nandi, Killer T, Bryan K, Mary Anibal, Djembe Monks and Gemma Griffiths.
Selmor, who had initially pleaded for privacy, has finally spoken through her social media that she is now part of the event. She thanked her fans who stood up for her after she was initially left out from the list of performing artists.
“To all who spoke up for me, you guys have been amazing. I’m extremely 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 Paya,” reads part of Selmor’s post.
She has rallied behind the festival calling for fans to grace the event now that the dust has settled.
“Please come out in your numbers and let’s do this the right way. I love you all,” said Selmor.
Organisers have also included the late superstar’s protégé Mbeu, Sarungano, Solution GC and the Black Spirits Band. Afro fusion singer Andy Muridzo, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Gwevedzi, Agga Nyabinde, Innosaint Sax, Vazuku veAfrica and Munya Nyamarebvu are also part of the bill. Tuku was declared a national hero and was buried at his rural home in Madziva.
The event will feature music, dance, film, fashion, theatre, arts and crafts all to grant the late crooner’s wish. Organisers have also lined up a series of fundraising activities including a dinner and workshop to also market the event. (H Metro)
Online Reporter