Tawanda Musariri
People from various walks of life converged at the National Sports Stadium in Harare to pay their last respects to Zimbabwe's illustrious musician Oliver Mtukudzi. This convergence follows a non stop vigil at the late musician's home in Norton since his death four days ago.
Not less than 40 000 admirers of the late Zimbabwean icon thronged the 60 000 seater sports facility in Harare where speeches and performances were delivered from eminent persons close to the musician.
Minister for Youth, Arts, Sports and Culture Honorable Kirsty Coventry accompanied the body alongside family and friends. Mtukudzi was a board member of the National Arts Council.
Both seasoned and budding musicians performed at the send off ceremony. Among the performers were gospel music pioneer Machanic Manyeruke, Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro, Mathias Mhere, Jah Prayzer, Alick Macheso, and Edith WeUtonga among many.
Celebrities, socialites and music promoters also graced the show in their black mourning attire. Actors, music promoters also graced the occasion which was organised by the Association of Music Promoters in Zimbabwe.
Josh Hozheri, chairman of the music promoters said their industry had lost a huge asset, describing Tuku as an understanding artiste whose humility was way beyond the brand he was.
"Tuku was one humble character and musician who could even agree to be paid after the show unlike other musicians here present. Not only do I implore musicians here present to be understanding, I also encourage them to value humility. May you emulate everything that the late Tuku did on and off stage," Hozheri said.
Tuku is the owner and founder of Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, a place he founded wholly to develop other artistes, especially the young and upcoming. He was successful in this regard. Teems of youngsters of varying music genres were incubated at this philanthropic centre.
True to his word, Tuku collaborated with many young artistes, some whose music fellow seasoned musicians mock away as mediocre.
Speaking at the song and dance memorial, Honorable Coventry said her ministry and the arts fraternity were poorer without Oliver Mtukudzi. She expressed her sadness over the untimely departure of the 66 year old but said he had left a legacy useful not only to his family but to the nation and Africa as a whole.
Tuku was declared a national hero for his unwavering musical exploits which marketed Zimbabwe.
