So long Oliver Mtukudzi: An Afro-Jazz Legend

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Oliver Mtukudzi during a concert (zwnews.com)

Today, Oliver Mtukudzi, one of Zimbabwe’s most renowned musicians, has changed his plane of existence. He passed away to join his ancestors, after over a four-decade career. He, like Bra Hugh, Hugh Masekela, was a giant of African music, particularly Afro-Jazz. Just like Bra Hugh, he passed away on the same day, a year later.

To his fans he was affectionately known as Tuku. With his deep voice, he came to prominence in the 1970s as one of the voices of the revolution fighting white-minority rule.

The singer and guitarist mixed several different styles to create his own distinctive Afro-jazz sound, known to his fans as “Tuku Music“.

In 2018, Mtukudzi spoke to Eyewitness News about why he chose to stay in the music business: “My music is about touching the hearts… never mind how old. If a baby is born today, she/he must be able to relate to my music.”

I live you here with one of my favorite from Tuku: Neria.

3 thoughts on “So long Oliver Mtukudzi: An Afro-Jazz Legend

  1. That is so sad. I was exposed to his music in my teens from my mom at a shop she managed that sold tons of world music among fair trade products. He made some great tunes. My favorite song from him is Ngoromera.

    Like

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