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Wellington Zimbowa Arts Correspondent
Musician Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi has slammed what he calls “meaningless music” from some of Zimbabwe’s young musicians, especially the urban groovers.Tuku (61) said musicians should nurture the spirit and body through tackling social issues head-on.
In an interview, the musician, who recently received the prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit from Italy for outstanding persons internationally, said musicians were there to interrogate societal concerns and challenges in quest for solutions.
“Musicians should just regard themselves as professionals just as medical doctors with a role to heal minds, to heal souls, to heal society. Music should not be drums, empty and high sounding lyrics or instruments only, it should heal hearts, provide a soothing effect. Music should entertain, soothe, open up minds and help interpret life events,” said the Unicef Goodwill Ambassador.
He said: “Unlike when we grew up music was highly shunned. It was not understood that one can pursue music as a profession and that
‘magitare’ (guitars) can bring food on the table in the same manner ‘badza’ (hoe) can do.
“I am glad things have changed now and we have numerous young talented artistes but the shift now should be on what message do they have for the betterment and healing of society,” he said.
Tuku said he had to put up with hostilities against musicians who were seen as non-achievers or “zvechirombe” in Shona during his formative years.
Through his powerful lyrics and often metaphorical language Tuku remains an activist against child abuse, gender equality, racial discrimination and violence.
Undoubtedly, Tuku has proven his mentorship mettle in helping upcoming musicians, with a number of youngsters who passed through his hands.
These include Munya Mataruse, Dudu Manhenga and Mono Mkundu, to name a few.
Online Reporter