Selmor Mtukudzi is a Zimbabwean actress, composer, and musician, known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances. Selmor is the daughter of the legendary Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and Melody Murape. She grew up in a musical household, surrounded by the rich heritage of Zimbabwean music.
Age
Selmor was born on August 22, 1983, in Harare, making her 40 years old as of 2023.
Early Life and Education
Despite her passion for education, Selmor’s academic dreams were shattered at a young age. She had to abandon her studies, much to the disappointment of her father, who had high hopes for her academic success. Selmor was deeply affected by this setback, as she was the first person in her family to show promise in school.
Marriage
Selmor Mtukudzi is married to musician Tendai Manatsa, son to legendary musician Zexie Manatsa and together they have 3 children.
Musical Journey
Selmor’s musical journey began at the tender age of 10 when she made her debut appearance in local ZBC TV dramas. She also had the opportunity to act in the movie “I am the future,” which was featured in local cinemas. These early experiences ignited her passion for music and paved the way for her future career. In 2008, Selmor released her debut solo album titled “Shungu,” which introduced her as a formidable solo artist. The album received critical acclaim and showcased her unique style and vocal prowess. She went on to release two joint albums with her husband, Tendai Manatsa, titled “Selmor and Tendai Live” in 2011 and “Ndinewe” (I Am With You) in 2012.
Notable Successes
Selmor’s fourth album, “Expressions,” released in 2013, became an instant hit, with the track “Nguva Yangu” earning nominations for prestigious awards such as the NAMA Awards and the ZIMA Awards. She went on to win the African Entertainment Awards USA and the Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce – WECA Award.
In 2015, Selmor released her fifth album titled “I Am Woman.” The album’s track “Zvidikidiki” received widespread acclaim, winning multiple awards, including the NAMA Awards and the Africa Entertainment Awards – USA award. The title track “I Am Woman” became an anthem, empowering women to embrace their beauty and gifts.
Activism and Humanitarian Work
Selmor is not only a talented musician but also a passionate advocate for social causes. In 2015, she collaborated with eight other leading African female artists on the song “Strong Girl” to promote the campaign #PovertyIsSexist, which called for gender equality and the eradication of poverty. She later joined forces with male artists, including Bono from U2, to amplify the message of the campaign.
Additionally, Selmor has been actively involved in advocating for access to power services in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her efforts were instrumental in the passing of the “Electrify Africa” bill in the United States, which aims to provide electricity to millions of people in the region.
Furthermore, Selmor is a passionate supporter of girls’ education. She has traveled to Canada to speak to members of the Canadian Parliament about the importance of empowering girls through education. In line with her commitment to uplifting and amplifying women’s voices, she established the Vabvana Trust, an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality.
Philanthropy and Conservation
Selmor is a dedicated ambassador for Zimbabwe Big 5 Animals Conservation, focusing on the preservation and protection of lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and cheetahs. She is also an ambassador for Wild Aid Africa, an organization committed to wildlife and environmental conservation.
Legacy and Documentary
Selmor’s remarkable journey and her commitment to her father’s legacy led her to create a groundbreaking documentary. The documentary delves into the hidden family secrets and inheritance drama surrounding her father’s will. Through this project, Selmor aims to shed light on the controversies surrounding her father’s legacy and provide closure for herself and her family.
As Selmor Mtukudzi continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting vocals and meaningful music, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and advocates worldwide.
