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“Conscious of the need to safeguard and preserve our culture, Mupfurutsa pioneered the development of urban contemporary music, discovered, nu-rtured and brought to the limelight many young musicians who became part of the national movement to safeguard and preserve our culture, he said.
“Because of Mupfurutsa, the young artistes joined the ranks of national music icons like Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo and the late Simon Chimbetu whose music continues to play a leading role in preserving our cultural heritage. Mupfurutsa realised the potency of art as a weapon in defending our culture.”
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Mupfurutsa assisted the young generation to have a renewed sense of pride in their culture.
“In the process, the talented composer, musician, promoter and businessman also helped to create an objective sense of nationalism and patriotism based on the country’s revolutionary history and culture and contributing in creating employment for young people,” he said.
“Because of Mupfurutsa’s contribution, many young Zimbabweans continue to carve successful careers in music. These young musicians must, however, be mindful of the need to support and realise Mupfurutsa’s aspiration to produce music reflecting the people’s values and experiences, a music genre that should subsequently have international appeal.
Minister Shamu said local artists could achieve great popularity and influences by sustaining the development and promotion of their music to international status.
“Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo and the late Biggie Tembo are ample testimonies of the unlimited opportunities that lie in promoting local music on the international scene,” he said. Minister Shamu said as the music industry continued to develop, it should keep in line with the need to preserve local culture and the people’s desire to always be masters of their own destiny.
“Artistes like Mupfurutsa are, therefore, a priceless treasure to our country as they are not only warriors in the cultural preservation crusade, but they also play big roles as entertainers, social analysts and commentators,” he said.
Minister Shamu said the country should honour Mupfurutsa by continuing to expose and support more young musicians to ensure the sustainable development of the local music industry.
“Let us also pay tribute to Mupfurutsa by continuing with his fight against piracy through rallying behind current efforts to liquidate the scourge, which threatens the survival of the local music industry,” he said.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday visited the Mupfurutsa home to pay his condolences.
The PM said Mupfurutsa was a man of the people and that it was sad that the country had lost a talented musician and businessman. He said parents should encourage their children to pursue their talents in music or other disciplines.
Prince Tendai will be buried at Mupfurutsa Village tomorrow afternoon.
Mourners are gathered at 4 Warwick Street in Greystone Park, Harare.
He is survived by his wife Jacqueline and three children – Tendai Jnr, Munashe and Tinashe.
Online Reporter