H-Metro
l Hozheri misses national hero
Takawira Photovet Dapi
OLIVER “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy, is grateful to people for continuously honouring the late music icon, keeping his legacy alive.
She said this ahead of the much-hyped Oliver Mtukudzi Memorial Half Marathon to be held on Sunday in Norton.
It will be held under the theme “Remembering a Legend @70”.
Participants will take part in the 21km, 10km and 5km fun races in memory of the iconic singer.
Tuku succumbed to diabetes at the age of 66 on January 23, 2019.
He was declared a National Hero, but his family requested that he be buried at his rural homestead in Madziwa, Mashonaland Central. Tuku left a rich catalogue of songs, including over 60 albums.
In an interview with H-Metro, Daisy hailed various stakeholders for helping the family keep Tuku’s music legacy alive.
She said she was also looking forward to the memorial half-marathon.
“I personally don’t have much to say at the moment, I am burdened, but I just want to thank the organisers for remembering my beloved one. For more information, you can get it from our organisers on the ground, ndatenda,” she said.
Samantha Mtukudzi, who is organising this year’s commemorations, said it was all systems go.
“I am busy doing final touch-ups for the memorial,” she said.
Meanwhile, ace music promoter, Josh Hozheri, reckons Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s legacy is in safe hands because he left a rich catalogue of songs.
Hozheri, who closely worked with Tuku, said the late music icon’s beautiful stuff still appeals to many, four years after his death.
“The music and the content he gave to the people is greatly missed. His epic live shows are greatly missed,” he said.
Hozheri reckons the void Tuku left is hard to fill, although he groomed a number of artists through Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.
“In the last four years, the mature fans have missed entertainment at that level. Ever since, there has not been a replacement at that level.”
Hozheri, who was also the promoter of the late music crooner, believes nothing will stop him from supporting the family.
“As a promoter, I have worked with Selmor and initiated an album recording in South Africa with Steve Dyer in trying to keep the legacy alive.
“I managed to bring back Picky Kasamba to help with choreography and showing the children how Tuku music had evolved.
“I toured Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe with Selmor promoting and taking Tuku music to the people,” he said.
Hozheri told H-Metro that it was never too for the family to unite and ensure they keep Tuku’s legacy intact.
“The family should keep on celebrating his life through his music. I suggest even an annual festival in his honour.
“The widow (Daisy) and the family should stand united and guided by the wisdom of the legend. He was loved by all.”
The music promoter said he was determined to play his part and ensure the legacy lives.
“It is my wish to meet the family and create the Oliver Mtukudzi Jazz Festival.
“Now that it’s four years since he departed, we should be able to engage and keep the legacy alive.
“His brand is safe because he left music with staying power. His brand transcends generations and at Pakare Paye there were a lot of youngsters he taught. The Black Spirits are also there.
