Tribute to Oliver 'Tuku' Mutukudzi

The only certainty in a hero's life is that it could end at any moment. As a hero, Oliver Mutukudzi could not banish dangers, but could banish fears.

But Mutukudzi the hero who has lost his life in battle with cancer will not be forgotten soon. Those of us who knew him best will tell stories of his bravery, his heroism, and his sacrifice.

We will talk of how he stood by us through music through thick and thin, and how we saved each other's lives more than a few times. How we sing his songs to see us through the dark times of our lives.

Wednesday 23rd of Janauray 2019 will forever be etched in our minds and heart having been registered as the day one of the music and arts hero in Zimbabwe, Oliver "Tuku" Mutukudzi passed on.
We will carry the memory of Oliver our friend in our hearts forever, we will celebrate his life and we will cherish the memories of his fierce loyalty, unwavering convictions, and deep, faithful love to our country and our culture.

To the arts industry, he was a father figure, versatile and principled man who stood for what he believes in without fear. Many Zimbabweans, will remember him for playing a pivotal role in the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe and above all his contribution to music in the post-independence era. He was a polished composer and singer indeed. We shall remain indebted to his contribution towards the arts in Zimbabwe today.

This hero is gone from this life, but he is not forgotten. He will live on within us. Death is not the end of his story, merely the next chapter.

He has taken his place in resting and waiting for the Lord and will spend eternity with those whose hearts are brave and good, just like his own.

To the Zimbabwean community he was a father figure, versatile and principled man who stood for what he believes in without fear. We will remember him for playing a pivotal role in the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe and above all his contribution to music in the post-independence era. Mutukudzi has been on several tours in the UK, US and Canada to perform for large audiences.

Mtukudzi is the father of five children and has two grandchildren. Mtukudzi was born in a family of six; one of his sisters and his only brother Robert, died.

Knowing this hero has made us better people, and for that, we should be grateful. His memory will live on, and it is our privilege and responsibility to ensure he is remembered forever for how honourably he lived, how bravely he fought, and how fiercely he loved.

Tuku, was a true musician judging by some of the songs that he penned which remain as good to this day as if they were done just yesterday, songs such as "Rova Ngoma Mutavara*, Bvuma and Dande, Neria, Mutserendende, just to name but a few, that almost became national anthems for Zimbabwe following their releases. His music encompassed Pan-African values while advocating unity among Africans. He was humorous and gifted singer, and is one of the musicians in the world who fought against colonialism using song lyrics as an art form.
May he wait for the Lord in peace. We await the day the Lord will come. This body prone to pain will be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye.

And the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible.

There will never again be any death, for death will be defeated.

We all hope and pray that on that blessed morning when our eyes will see the glory of the coming of the Lord  we will see tuku singing with the selected singers.

May God comfort the Mutukudzi family and all the Zimbabwe family.

Vazet2000@yahoo.co.uk