Melody Murape is the former wife of veteran Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi. They had a significant impact on each other’s lives and the music industry in Zimbabwe.
Melody Murape and Oliver Mtukudzi had two daughters:
- Sandra Mtukudzi
- Selmor Mtukudzi
Marriage to Oliver Mtukudzi
Melody Murape’s relationship with Oliver Mtukudzi had its ups and downs. They got married on February 24 and 25, 1979, with wedding receptions held at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield. However, their marriage faced challenges when rumors of Oliver’s involvement with another woman, later identified as Daisy, surfaced and led to their divorce.
Difficulties and Divorce
Melody Murape discovered that Oliver was seeing Daisy, and it caused strain in their marriage. Oliver even rented a house for Daisy in Cranborne while Melody lived in a three-roomed lodging in the ghetto. Despite Oliver’s pleas for her to stay, Melody decided to leave him in 1986.
Polygamous Marriage
Oliver claimed that he had paid the bride price for Daisy, effectively making him married to both Melody and Daisy. However, Melody refused to accept a polygamous marriage and initiated divorce proceedings in 1986. The divorce was eventually granted in 1993.
Challenges and Changes
During their marriage, Melody supported Oliver’s music career and attended most of his shows. However, as his relationship with Daisy grew, Oliver became less available for family outings and events. Melody faced difficulties in taking their children to watch Oliver perform at family shows.
Despite the challenges they faced, Melody Murape and Oliver Mtukudzi played significant roles in shaping the music industry in Zimbabwe. Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise in relationships, even among public figures.
