Mathew Masinge
IT’S NOW SETTLED!
SELMOR Mtukudzi will be among the top acts at her late father’s two-day festival slated for Pakare Paye Arts Centre on September 21 and 22.
Tuku died on January 23, 2019, aged 66 after losing his battle with diabetes and would have turned 72 on September 22.
Dubbed: The “Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts” OMIFA, the inaugural edition will be held in honour of the late music icon.
However, this week the event had been marred with controversy after Selmor was initially left out among the performing artists.
Some sections on social media were calling for invited artistes and fans to snub the event in protest over Selmor’s exclusion.
Long story short, Selmor is now first on the list of headline acts that include Jah Prayzah, Mokoomba, Feli Nandi, Killer T, Bryan K, Mary Anibal, Djembe Monks and Gemma Griffiths.
Selmor, who had initially pleaded for privacy, has finally spoke through her social media that she is now part of the event.
She thanked her fans who stood up for her after she was initially left out from the list of performing artists.
“To all who spoke up for me, you guys have been amazing. I’m extremely humbled by the love you have for my father which has extended over to me.
“I will not take it for granted.
For that reason and in honour of my father’s legacy, I will be coming to Pakare Paya,” reads part of Selmor’s post.
She has rallied behind the festival calling for fans to grace the event now that the dust has settled.
“Please come out in your numbers and let’s do this the right way.
“I love you all,” said Selmor.
Organisers have also included the late superstar’s protégé Mbeu, Sarungano, Solution GC and the Black Spirits Band.
Afro fusion singer Andy Muridzo, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Gwevedzi, Agga Nyabinde, Innosaint Sax, Vazuku veAfrica and Munya Nyamarebvu are also part of the bill.
Tuku was declared a national hero and was buried at his rural home in Madziva.
The event will feature music, dance, film, fashion, theatre, arts and crafts all to grant the late crooner’s wish.
Organisers have also lined up a series of fundraising activities including a dinner and workshop to also market the event.
Below are some of the comments from fans:
Darlington Chipanera – Boss Dadza
Well done Selmor for showing humility. I’m sure even the legend is smiling in the yonder. What I know is most of the people/fans who were critical about this never wished the event to fail. We just demanded the right thing to be done, and here we go! See you all at Pakare Paye.
Alois Bunjira GQ:
Well done for the humbleness Selmor, and refusing to take the “toxic “ advice of boycotting or refusing to attend. That would have created a bigger wedge in your family ,when you are supposed to unite and be merry with each other .Life is too short to keep carrying grudges .I would love to see you one day out on holiday with mama Daisy, your step siblings and kids .Or just a family get together.
ZvemaGrudges hazvibhadhare mufunge. You are richer with each other . We will be there to support the Mtukudzi family. I loved your father. He used to give me free tickets for his shows at the Civic theater in Braamfontein ,South Africa.
Violet Chiambiro:
You have such a forgiving heart and that’s why we even love you more. Because dai ndirini haaa ndatoramwa even this last invite. You’re blessed girl, wishing you all the best and happiness.
Anesu Chirenje:
Because of your presence at the festival we will attend and honour the legacy of your father our Zimbabwean pride, keep shining Selmor Mtukudzi.
Melody Nhanga:
This is what being the bigger person means. When a person, despite hurtful and needless controversy, humbles themselves to honour their father’s legacy.
Kudakwashe Zvarayi:
Well, the voices of light have prevailed over forces of the dark world. Selmor is the only authentic reflection of Oliver Mtukudzi. Let it sink into the minds of the dark underworld which had tried unsuccessfully to eliminate Selmor as the iconic true representative of Tuku Music that Selmor is the express image of Tuku Music.
Jane Jane:
Hai Selmor Mtukudzi you have a room in heaven with aircon. You have a heart of gold. As for me hangu I wouldn’t have gone. Apa matikunda amai. Sando dzenyu mai Manatsa.
Rhoda Mandaza:
Respect Always to you Selmor Mutukudzi. You have handled this nyaka nyaka around you with such Grace and Dignity I have no doubt that your father is in your corner as far as guidance, protection and wisdom go. Hold your head up, high and stand tall.