VIDEO: Oliver Mtukudzi remembered through song

JOBURG – Musicians and friends celebrate the life and times of Oliver Mtukudzi.

February 7, 2019

Mpho Moloto 1 minute read

Selmor and Sandra, Oliver Mtukudzi's daughters, perform at his memorial celebration on 5 February at the Joburg Theatre. Photo: Mpho Moloto

On Tuesday, 5 February, The Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein hosted a memorial celebrating the music and life of the late Oliver Mtukudzi.

Ringo Madlingozi performs at the Oliver Mtukudzi memorial on 5 February at the Joburg Theatre. *Photo: Mpho Moloto*

The Zimbabwean master of song, ‘Tuku’, as he was affectionately known, passed away on 23 January. He was 66 years old.

Berita performs at the Oliver Mtukudzi memorial on 5 February at the Joburg Theatre. *Photo: Mpho Moloto*

Searching for a mbira sound on the guitar, he fused the Zimbabwean music style Jiti, the traditional drumming patterns of his clan, the Katekwe, South African mbaqanga, the marimba, Afro-pop styles and conjured up over 67 albums with his own signature music sound, ‘Tuku Music’.

Judith Sephuma performs at the Oliver Mtukudzi memorial on 5 February at the Joburg Theatre. *Photo: Mpho Moloto*

The memorial was open to the public who were treated to a celebration of Tuku’s music, with a musical programme that was directed by fellow traveller and compatriot Steve Dyer – making this a South-African cry from the heart. A cry of sorrow and loss, a cry of remembrance, a cry of joy, love and most importantly, music.