Tuku to be honoured at Carnival

CELEBRATED local artists rarely get recognition in their lifetime, but Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi is an exception. With a record 35 years in the music industry, half of that in the apex locally, recognised regionally and idolised internationally. Tuku, is set to be honoured again for his works at the second edition of the Harare International Carnival that roles into life tomorrow.

Tuku will be honoured together with other musicians for their long contribution to local showbiz under a new concept dubbed Blast from the Past. The week-long event will run from May 16 to 25 under the theme; Celebrating Our Diversity Blast from the Past organiser Ephraim Chizola said Tuku among other yesteryear musicians will be honoured at the event, that will be held under the theme, Honouring Our Past Celebrating Our Diversity.

“As a way of appreciating and celebrating the rich and diverse past of our local musicians’ contribution to the growth of the music industry, we are going to honour Oliver Mtukudzi among other musicians who have stood the test of time,” Chizola said.

Mtukudzi, who turned 61 in September last year, has 60 albums to his credit and has proven to be in a class of his own in Zimbabwean music. Gifted with a husky voice, Tuku has become the most celebrated music icon in Zimbabwe whose stature has grown beyond borders. Many tribute shows had been organised both locally and internationally for the Perekedza Mwana hit-maker who is a recipient of many awards and a face of local and international charitable organisations.

Tuku began performing in 1977 when he joined the Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured Chimurenga music icon, Thomas Mapfumo. Music analysts say that Tuku’s music in Zimbabwe knows no competition with his only serious competitor being Mapfumo who now resides in the United States. Tuku has gone for several tours in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada among other countries performing for large audiences.

Tuku was recently honoured with the History Tour Award under the Event of the year category at the fourth edition of the annual Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) held in London. The ZAA awards celebrate the achievements of Zimbabweans in the UK and elsewhere across 19 categories, ranging from business to music and sport. – Nkosana Zulu

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