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South Africa to celebrate Oliver Mtukudzi at Joburg Theatre
South Africans will come together to celebrate the life and music of Zimbabwe's master of song, Oliver Mtukudzi, at The Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on 5 February 2019. Tuku, as he was popularly known, passed away at the age of 66 on 23 January 2019.
Searching for an mbira sound on the guitar, he fused the Zimbabwean music style of “Jiti”, the traditional drumming patterns of his clan, the Katekwe, South African “mbaqanga”, the marimba, Afro-pop styles and conjured up over 67 albums with his own signature music sound.
A champion of the Zimbabwean people and their music
He was a recipient of many accolades and awards. In 1992 Oliver won the M-Net award for Best Soundtrack for Neria, a movie in which he also starred. In 2003 he received a pair of Kora awards (Lifetime Achievement; Best Southern African Male Artist), a Channel O Reel Music Video Award (Best African Language) and an honorary arts degree from the University Of Zimbabwe. A dedicated and inspired African artist, 2004 brought a Nama (National Arts Merit Awards) award for Best Group/Male vocalist, 2006 a Zima (Zimbabwe Music Awards) Music Ambassador award and in 2008 another Nama for Outstanding Musician. 2009 found Oliver receiving yet another Honorary M.Sc in fine arts, this one from Women’s University in Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe. 2003 also found Tuku featured on the cover of Time magazine as a champion of the Zimbabwean people and their music.
A collaborative soul
Beginning his performance career in 1977 with the group Wagon Wheels, which also featured the Chimurenga great Thomas Mapfumo and legendary Zimbabwean guitarist James Chimombe. The success of their single “Dzandimomotera” precipitated the release of Tuku’s successful debut album, Shoko. A collaborative soul, Mtukudzi was also an integral member of the original incarnation of Southern African “supergroup” Mahube, which also featured the likes of Louis Mhlanga, Steve Dyer and Phinda Mtya. In 2011 he released Abi’ angu (Duets of My Time) which featured, amongst others, Cesaria Evora, Ringo Madlingozi, Eric Wainaina and The Jaziel Brothers. 2016 found him doing a duet “Tapera” with the late Hugh Masekela. This over four-decade career included Southern Africa, the African continent and diaspora and Europe.
A cry of remembrance
On Tuesday, 5 February 2019 at The Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein from 12pm–5pm a memorial celebrating the music and life of Oliver Mtukudzi will take place. Open to the public, this celebration’s focus is Tuku’s music with a musical programme directed by fellow traveller and compatriot Steve Dyer – this is a South African cry from the heart. A cry of sorrow and loss, a cry of remembrance, a cry of joy and love. Come share with us as we celebrate this son of Zimbabwe and child of Africa.
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