Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi was a Zimbabwean musician, businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the Southern Africa Region. He was born on September 22, 1952, in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe. Mtukudzi was the son of Samson Mtukudzi and Jesca Mtukudzi.
Age
Tuku lived from 22 September 1952 (DOB) till 23 January 2019 (DOD) which means he died at the age of 66.
Children
Mtukudzi left behind 3 children namely Sam Mtukudzi, Selmor Mtukudzi and Sandra Mtukudzi
Marriages
Melody Murape
Oliver Mtukudzi’s first wedding in 1979 with Melody Murape at Gwanzura stadium in Highfields. There were 48 bridemaids. The wedding receptions were on February 24 and 25, 1979. A big party was held at her sister’s house in Highfield. Melody’s father was so happy and gave the couple a present, a Renault 4. Tuku cried because he was overwhelmed by the gift. Many bands played at the wedding including Zexie Manatsa and Manu Kambani. Melody had composed a song, Vana varimunzara, and sang the song at the party. Melody and ‘Tuku’ had two daughters namely Sandra and Selmor. The two later divorced after confirmed rumors of Tuku’s relationship with Daisy who then moved from Kwekwe to Harare, where Tuku was renting a full house for her in the medium density suburb of Cranborne. Tuku left Melody to go and stay with Daisy.
Daisy Mtukudzi
Oliver Mtukudzi’s second wife is Daisy Mtukudzi, who he met while Tuku was still married to Melody (Tuku’s first wife). Daisy denied any knowledge of his first wife and thought he was single when they met in Kwekwe. She had a lovely wedding with her husband “Tuku”. Daisy had three children namely Samantha Mtukudzi, the late Sam Mtukudzi and Faith Kadzura(from her previous relationship). The two separated for a year as she wanted to shoot Tuku and he fled their house after he denied paternity of an alleged secret son named Selby Mtukudzi, with another partner. They later got back together and lived with each other after family members assured him that she had calmed down and was ready to talk. The two stayed together till the sad passing of Oliver.
Career
Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits
Mtukudzi grew up in Highfield, a poor neighbourhood in Salisbury (modern-day Harare) in Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. He began his music career in 1977 when he joined the Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured Thomas Mapfumo and fellow guitarist James Chimombe. They were given the rare opportunity by Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo, an African nationalist and music promoter, who provided money and resources to the group. They performed at Club Mutanga (Pungwe), the only nightclub available for blacks under Rhodesia’s policy of segregation. Their single “Dzandimomotera” went gold, and Mtukudzi’s first album followed, which was also a major success. Mtukudzi was also a contributor to Mahube, Southern Africa’s “supergroup.”
With his husky voice, Mtukudzi became the most recognized voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and onto the international scene. He earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond. As a member of Zimbabwe’s KoreKore group, he sang in the nation’s dominant Shona language, along with Ndebele and English. Mtukudzi incorporated elements of different musical traditions, giving his music a distinctive style known to fans as Tuku Music.
Mtukudzi had numerous tours around the world, performing for large audiences in the UK, US, and Canada. In 2017, he entertained guests at the wedding of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Social Commentary
Prior to the independence of Zimbabwe, Mtukudzi’s music depicted the struggles under Rhodesian white minority rule. In subsequent years following Zimbabwean independence, his music advocated for tolerance and peace and frequently portrayed the struggles of women and children.
Personal Life and Death
Mtukudzi was married twice. His first wife was Melody Murape, whom he was married to from 1979 to 1993. His second wife was Daisy Mtukudzi. He had five children, including musicians Sam Mtukudzi, Selmor Mtukudzi, and Sandra Mtukudzi. Tragically, his son Sam Mtukudzi died in a car accident in March 2010. In 2013, Mtukudzi released an album titled “Sarawoga” as a tribute to his late son.
On January 23, 2019, Mtukudzi passed away at the age of 66 at Avenues Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, after a long battle with diabetes mellitus.
Discography
- 1978: Ndipeiwo Zano (re-released 2000)
- 1979: Chokwadi Chichabuda
- 1979: Muroi Ndiani?
- 1980: Africa (re-released 2000)
- 1981: Shanje
- 1981: Pfambi
- 1982: Maungira
- 1982: Please Ndapota
- 1983: Nzara
- 1983: Oliver’s Greatest Hits
- 1984: Hwema Handirase
- 1985: Mhaka
- 1986: Gona
- 1986: Zvauya Sei?
- 1987: Wawona
- 1988: Nyanga Nyanga
- 1988: Strange, Isn’t It?
- 1988: Sugar Pie
- 1989: Grandpa Story
- 1990: Chikonzi
- 1990: Pss Pss Hallo!
- 1990: Shoko
- 1991: Mutorwa
- 1992: Rombe
- 1992: Rumbidzai Jehova
- 1992: Neria soundtrack
- 1993: Son of Africa
- 1994: Ziwere MuKobenhavn
- 1995: Was My Child
- 1996: Svovi yangu
- 1995: The Other Side: Live in Switzerland
- 1995: Ivai Navo
- 1997: Ndega Zvangu (re-released 2001)
- 1997: Chinhamwe
- 1998: Dzangu Dziye
- 1999: Tuku Music
- 2000: Paivepo
- 2001: Neria
- 2001: Bvuma (“Tolerance”)
- 2002: Shanda soundtrack
- 2002: Vhunze Moto
- 2003: Shanda (Alula Records)
- 2003: Tsivo (“Revenge”)
- 2004: Greatest Hits Tuku Years
- 2004: Mtukudzi Collection 1991–1997
- 2004: Mtukudzi Collection 1984–1991
