JOSH, SIMANGO HAIL TUKU
MUSIC promoter and Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi family friend Josh Hozheri said the late crooner believed in professionalism.
Hozheri, whose working relationship with the late national hero blossomed at the inception of his Winter Jazz Festival, said Tuku’s death remains a hard void to fill.
“It has been a tough two years without Tuku, we are really feeling the loss while his music looks set to live on after his death.
“We will also miss him for his mentorship since he was someone who wanted things to be organised. “When I started the Winter Jazz Festival, he used to encourage me to make sure the event was organised considering his international exposure,” he said.
Music wise, Josh said Tuku was a torch-bearer who lifted the Zimbabwean flag world over.
“Tuku was a perfectionist who wanted things done in a professional manner and I can safely say that’s where we copied quite a lot from him,” he said.
Similar sentiments we echoed by Tuku Music board chairperson Tungamidzai Simango who worked with the crooner until the time of his death.
“Mdhara taught me that every human being is important in life whether poor or rich,” said Simango who popularised the late crooner’s ‘intimate’ shows held under the Dzvamu Tsvamu banner.
Simango also hailed Tuku for being an advocate of Ubuntu, respect and genuine love.
“Tuku taught me that one has to be humble in life that’s when you deserve respect.
“He taught me that nothing comes for free and you have to work very hard for you to achieve.
“Mdhara showed love to everyone,” he said.
Simango who used to be a superintend operations at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton said Tuku’s legacy would be incomplete without mentioning his role in mentorship.
“Him being a mentor, he groomed a lot of musicians and up to now, his facility at Pakare Paye is being used by upcoming musicians.
“He was not jealous of other artistes that’s why we used to hold shows at Pakare Paye with other big artistes.
“The fact that he invested in having Pakare Paye, studio,booking rooms, restaurants etc shows that he was mature and led by example something which other musicians need to emulate or do better than what he did.
“In life, people need not be selfish that’s why that facility for artistes who wanted to showcase their talents at Pakare Paye as set up,” he added.