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.
Rest In Peace - the legend and music icon - Oliver Mtukudzi, you played your role to the fullest and you will alway… https://t.co/QU2KYyObx1— Mzilikazi wa Afrika (@Mzilikazi wa Afrika)1548254072.0
The fact that Oliver Mtukudzi passed on on the first death anniversary of his friend Hugh Masekela.....💔💔💔 #riptuku… https://t.co/zAQS5TuzlW— Wishes Zimunya🇿🇼 (@Wishes Zimunya🇿🇼)1548253474.0
Rest in peace Oliver Mtukudzi. If anyone ever made me proud to be #Zimbabwean it was you. Thank you for making us h… https://t.co/Lk7R1HOiPJ— David Coltart (@David Coltart)1548252775.0
@lebomashile It seems these news are true and he is no more. 😰😰😰 https://t.co/YaMUsYWaQH Very sad news and today m… https://t.co/W5RAz3ZKmw— Motheo Lebelo (@Motheo Lebelo)1548254429.0
Neria touched many souls that include those who didn't understand the lyrics ,that's the beauty of music ,you don't… https://t.co/f8bBTlLgsn— Major General (@Major General)1548254031.0
Devastated to learn of the passing of the Afrikan Giant. UBaba #OliverMtukudzi your music had always carried me fro… https://t.co/9AbL5q6rHO— ZaneleLwana (@ZaneleLwana)1548254571.0
Sitting here in disbelief that #OliverMtukudzi has passed away on the exact same day that #HughMasekela did, a year… https://t.co/pexeUZtY4L— marang setshwaelo (@marang setshwaelo)1548253617.0
RIP To Oliver Mtukudzi 😭❤️💕one of my Icons who played a huuuge musical part in my childhood memories https://t.co/KJv3YTk7gl— TheLastLetter (@TheLastLetter)1548252099.0
Words can’t express our sadness - Rest In Peace #OliverMtukudzi. It was a pure honour to spend time with you, on an… https://t.co/DZ8BeBUjg8— #MastersOfTheCraft (@#MastersOfTheCraft)1548252470.0
Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, also known as "Tuku" (short for Mtukudzi) is a singer-songwriter, actor, writer, film director… https://t.co/LAEaRX2bXB— African Curators (@African Curators)1546768230.0
