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Rufaro Samanga
Jan. 23, 2019 11:06AM EST

Legendary Zimbabwean Musician Oliver Mtukudzi has Died

The musician passed away after battling a long illness. He was 66-years-old.

Oliver Mtukudzi, one of the greatest musicians that Zimbabwe has ever given birth to, has died after battling a long illness. He passed away at the Avenues Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The beloved Mtukudzi, was referred to as 'Tuku' by his fans not only in Zimbabwe but from all over the world. His jazz-inspired sound often featuring the characteristic mbira, led to the creation of innumerable songs which highlighted just how rich and metaphorical the Shona language is.

Mtukudzi, a philanthropist of note, was also quite public about his positive HIV status and wrote several songs including Todii and Tapera, which spoke of the scourge of the disease in Africa and especially among young people. He worked with many great musicians in his career including the equally legendary jazz artist Hugh Masekela. Masekela, in what can only be described as tragic irony, passed away last year on exactly this day.

Whilst his record label Gallo Records has confirmed his death, details of the musician's death will be released by his family later on.

Mtukudzi was set to release another album this year, an album his faithful fans will never see. He leaves them however, with a lifetime's worth of music. Tributes have already begun to flow in.












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