Oliver Mtukudzi: 1952-2019: Fans across Africa pay tribute to legendary Zimbabwean singer

World
Europe

03:29

Tributes from all over the African continent have been pouring in for popular Zimbabwean singer, Oliver M'tukudzi who died on Wednesday. Tuku, as he was affectionately known by fans, was the country's most successful musician and one of Africa's most unmistakable voices.

Sometimes the term legend is used loosely, but after a career spanning 43 years during which he produced a staggering 66 albums and won countless accolades Oliver Mtukudzi is undoubtedly deserving of that title.

TAKUDZWA MUTATAGUTA MTUKUDZI FAN "I remember myself as a nine-year-old boy, jumping up and down in the back seat of my dad's car while listening to him. Zimbabwe has lost truly the greatest legend in the music industry. To me he is irreplaceable."

SHEPHERD MATSIKA MTUKUDZI FAN "There is time when we would not miss his shows from about 2004 to 2012 thereabouts. It was the time of our lives. It was a marvel to attend his shows all over the country. It's very, very sad day for Zimbabwe. We have lost one of the greatest icons of Zimbabwean music."

Local radio stations have his music on repeat as music industry stakeholders eulogise the late crooner.

TSHILA MUTIMBANEPASI RADIO PRESENTER "We have lost of the best of us. One the greatest musicians of our generation. It's very difficult to find an artist, who is a good musician, a good performer who is also a good singer and a good songwriter and I think he epitomised that."

NICHOLAS MOYO, DIRECTOR NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL "He's one person who took his own resources and developed Pakare Paye Arts centre. We are talking of an artist in Africa who said I will build an arts centre. I don't want donor funding for it. He kept on saying there is no way we can develop ourselves when we get funded."

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called Mtukudzi a true patriot and whose voice has given comfort during difficult times.

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa said he consoled, counselled and entertained Zimbabwe and beyond.

Despite his international fame Mutukdzi remained grounded.

AGGA NYABINDE MUSICIAN "He always told us to be humble because he said it's not you who is popular, it's your piece of art. So if your song is popular it's not you who is popular it's what you sang. So don't let it stick to your head and think you are bigger than the people you sing for, because they are the people who make you great."

FARAI MWAKUTU HARARE "People have said you can't call yourself a music fan if you don't have a favourite Oliver Mtukudzi song. There are so many to choose from but mine is Ndima Dapedza, which literally means, I have finished working my part of the field. Mtukudzi has done so, so brilliantly and assumingly and even though he's now gone, we will continue to enjoy the fruits of his labour. FM, CGTN, H, Z"