Mtukudzi to be knighted

Cavaliere is a prestigious Italian award similar to the British award of “knight” or “sir” and is the highest of the orders of the Italian Republic and is awarded for contributions in the fields of literature, the arts, economics, public service, social and philanthropic and humanitarian activities.
Mtukudzi is the first musician in Zimbabwe to receive such a prestigious award from the Italian government and is awarded by the President of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano.
According to the Italian Embassy in Harare, Mtukudzi is being recognised for:
– His long and successful career and the work carried out in Zimbabwe and abroad as an artist and philanthropist;
– His music carries an important message to society as further proof of his commitment to the people of Zimbabwe;
– The establishment of Pakare Paye Arts Centre to help the youth of Zimbabwe by providing them with a safe place in which to explore and cultivate their talents through music and arts; and
– His significant contribution over the years to strengthening the cultural relations between Italy and Zimbabwe specifically with relation to his collaborations with Italian musicians.
Besides the various awards that Mtukudzi has received over the years of his career, he has also been named Outstanding Musician (of all time) by the National Arts Merit Awards in 2008.
The following year, he was awarded an honorary Master of Science degree in Fine Arts by the Women’s University in Africa. The same year, he was also appointed the Cultural Ambassador by Project Concern International.
In June this year, he was appointed the (southern African) Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef “in using his music to highlight issues affecting children in Zimbabwe and the region”.
Mtukudzi could not be reached for comment by the time of going to press.
The Italian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Stefano Moscatelli, will present the award which consists of a diploma, a medal and a pin of the official Cavaliere logo.