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Remembering Oliver Mtukudzi




My first encounter with Oliver Mtukudzi’s fondly known as Tuku was in the late 90’s. My workmate at Mpelembe Secondary School, Kanyampa Manda would speak highly of Tuku’s music. This made to start buying his audio tapes and video cassettes and later his CDs and DVDs.




My Favorite Tracks

Tuku’s music was simple, clear and direct. He loved to engage with various social issues affecting communities in his own country and in Africa. Some of my favorite tracks are:


Todii:  (What shall we do?). In this song Mtukudzi reflects on the challenge faced by communities as a result of the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The song gives cadence and sympathy to those who provide care. At the same time it magnifies how despicable those in positions of authority are for violating their responsibility. My other favorite tracks are Mabasa which talks of the anguish of losing a loved one, more so when not only you but even others have lost their loved one. Who will help the other?
Wasakara speaks of one recognizing that when they are old they can no longer do certain things. Murimi Mhunu, Ruririmi, Shamiso and Hear Me Lord are my other favourite tracks. There are many others but these will suffice for now. 


Oliver Mtukudzi
Copyright: Flickr


Watching Mtukudzi Live 

It was my rare privilege and honor to watch Mtukudzi perform in Lusaka (twice) and in Harare once. For the Stanbic Music Festival show in Lusaka, it was good to see Tuku sing alongside his long time friend and musician the late Bra Hugh Masekela of South Africa. In 2013, I watched Mtukudzi perform in a small packed venue in Harare. The music was great as usual and Tuku sang with passion as he danced to his music allowing the audience to join him on stage. I remember telling someone “It is interesting to see an elderly man like Oliver Mtukudzi dance like he does”. My colleague answered: “That’s his passion and his vocation and that’s hw he provides for his family”. 



Lesson’s from Tuku

There are a number of lessons that can be drawn from Oliver Mtukudzi’s long musical career in which he released a record 66 albums. A feat which any musician in Africa is yet to  attain. I will consider three lessons that can be learnt from the late Oliver Mtukudzi. 

Passion:
Tuku was passionate about his music. He was passionate about using his gift to entertain and to teach mankind. He loved his guitar, which has been referred to as a talking guitar. He played it very well. Most of his public photo’s show him holding his guitar. While it is good to multi-task, it is useful to focus on what one is really good at than trying to achieve many things and not do any of those things well. Only a passionate man like Tuku could produce an album annually, a rare feat by any musician in Africa. 



Humility: Tuku was able to mix and collaborate with any and many musicians from both within and outside Zimbabwe on music projects. In Zambia, I am aware of him collaborating with Maureen Lilanda and Jordan Katembula known as JK. 



Consistency: For someone to produce 66 albums for more than 40 years and remain popular can only suggest that Tuku was consistent.

As we reflect on the passing on of this great son of Africa let is resolve to be passionate, humble and consistent in our vocations.

Though Oliver Mtukudzi is no more, his music will live on.

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