A giant walked among us
On Tuesday, the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein hosted a moving memorial service as a tribute to celebrate one of Africa’s musical giants, Oliver Mtukudzi, or “Tuku” as he was popularly known. Scores of music fans and musicians such as Vusi Mahlasela, Ringo Madlingozi, Siphokazi and Berita graced the event to pay their last tributes to the great man, who was described as a humble and dedicated man of the people.
The Zimbabwean song master who carved out a signature music sound called “Tuku Music” died on January 23, at age 66, after a long battle with diabetes – ironically enough on exactly the same day as his friend, the musician Hugh Masekela, who died in 2018.
He was a cultural icon whose career spanned over 40 years and over 60 original albums.
His aura and presence had a global resonance with fans around the world, yet the man remained humble.
However, it was his dedication to the live music scene in Zimbabwe and later South Africa that earned him the place in people’s hearts that he holds today.
He also ventured into the world of film as a writer and producer of the soundtrack song Neria, in-between touring with his band The Black Spirits.
Searching for an mbira sound on the guitar, he fused the Zimbabwean music style “Jiti”, the traditional drumming patterns of his clan, the Katekwe, South African “mbaqanga”, the marimba, and Afro-Pop styles as he created his own genre called Tuku Music.
That’s how good Oliver Mtukudzi was. He created his own genre. But Mtukudzi was more than just a popular singer.
He was also a businessperson, activist, philanthropist and a goodwill ambassador for Unicef in the southern African region.
In his song Todii (What shall we do?), Mtukudzi reflects on the challenge faced by communities as a result of the scourge of HIV/Aids.
The song gives cadence and sympathy to those who provide care.
At the same time it magnifies how despicable those in positions of authority are for violating their responsibility.
He ends the song with a solemn appeal for help and for ideas in view of this challenge. This is Mtukudzi, the social activist.
In another song, Mabasa (The works), Mtukudzi paints a dire picture of how young people are the first to die, leaving the elderly to fend for themselves. For me this song attests to Mtukudzi reminding us all to be cognisant about how we live.
In 2011, he released Abi’ angu (Duets of My Time) which featured, among others, Cesaria Evora, Ringo Madlingozi, Eric Wainaina and The Jaziel Brothers. In 2016, he did a duet Tapera with the late Masekela (No Borders).
He started his performance career in 1997, with the group Wagon Wheels, which also featured the Chimurenga great Thomas Mapfumo and legendary Zimbabwean guitarist James Chimombe.
He was due to perform at the 2019 Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March – but he will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace Oliver.