dyton mupawaenda
Mathew Masinge
THE Selmor bombshell shook it in a big way but, in the end, the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts was a success and ended on a high note on Sunday with more fans coming for the closing act.
Selmor’s emotional breakdown, after she claimed she was being treated as an outcast, stole the headlines at the two-day festival.
But, far away from the controversy, this was a festival which Tuku would have been proud of.
The festival attracted artists from as far away as the United States, which was represented by Aaron Myers and Trio, to top acts like Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, Killer T, Mokoomba and Andy Muridzo.
Mokoomba
Jah Prayzah, who was the main act on the closing night, hailed the organisers for hosting a successful festival.
“It was an honour being invited to perform and celebrate the life of the late superstar, Dr Tuku.
“This is such a great initiative and I pray it only grows bigger and better.
“Well done to the organising team, Tuku Musik Official, zvanga zvakarongeka,” posted Jah Prayzah on his social media pages.
Tamy Moyo
He performed a mixed bag of his old and new songs in a performance dedicated to the late superstar who he described as a pacesetter for artists.
The Pakare Paye Arts Centre stage also came to life with performances for a number of Tuku’s students who took turns to do renditions backed by the Black Spirit band.
Fans had the chance to mingle with their favourite stars at close range while the Tuku’s band, The Black Spirits, were also a hit and showed they got what it takes.
Now fronted by his daughter, Samantha, the band played with some of Tuku’s best students including Mbeu, Sarungano and Donald Kanyuchi.
Tuku’s widow, Daisy, remained mum about Selmor’s actions.
Daisy Mtukudzi with Sarungano
“I have no words, Selmor’s actions have proved what I have always said about her,” she said.
Daisy attended the dinner on the opening night before she snubbed Selmor’s performance.
She was on the dance floor on the second day when an array of top acts performed.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture permanent secretary, Nicholas Moyo, said there is much more to do to preserve Tuku’s legacy.
“Daisy and Tuku Music have done well to launch the festival and as the Government of Zimbabwe we will continuously stand with you.
“Tuku was not awarded the status of a national hero for nothing and as the responsible ministry you have your back covered by us.
Crowd at Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
“As the creatives we celebrate a man who created a legacy not for himself but for his family and the people of Zimbabwe,” said Moyo.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe executive director, Napoleon Nyanhi, officials from the America Embassy in Zimbabwe and local promoters graced the launch dinner.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter