This brief tribute does not mourn the passing of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi. It does not dwell on the many music accolades in his cabinet. No. It celebrates the life of the larger than life character. It honours and applaud his commitment, passion and never-say-die spirit. I grew up listening to Oliver Mtukudzi, he was my father's favourite artist back in the early 80s. His album (LP) Shanje was always on repeat in our home.
The likes of Thomas Mapfumo, Zexie Manatsa, and Deverangwena Jazz band also dominated the music scene. As we moved into the late 80s and early 90s a new crop of artists in the mould of Leonard Dembo, John Chibadura and Simon Chimbetu became household names. Whilst Thomas Mapfumo managed to maintain his fort against these emerging stars Oliver Mtukudzi and others were obscured.
Yes he was a superstar, the radio and press acknowledged it but the audience had shifted. This period marked one of the trying times in Mtukudzi 's career but he did not quit. We frequented the Tereskane hotel in Harare's fife Avenue area where Mtukudzi played regularly. Admission to the shows was free but Mtukudzi hardly attracted many fans. Most of the time we were 20 or 30 and of that small number some were not even following his act.
He played a number of times with Steve Makoni who was now more popular than him. Portia Gwanzura'group Hohodza band attracted hundreds at the same venue. People followed Hohodza not him. That did not deter Mtukudzi, he didn't quit. He would play for the few people as if the venue was packed. I remember one of his performances at Zimbabwe Musicians Day or Jenaguru where people did not even pay attention.
Mtukudzi played a number of his yesteryear hits but they didn't save the day for him. He even played Dzoka Uyamwe (Dande) before it turned a hit but that did not help the situation. I vividly recall his words to the audience, “Muchayitamba iyi (one day you will dance to this song)”. I don't know if that was confidence or frustration but the crowd didn't care.
As if his words were prophetic, fortunes turned at a music show held at Zanu Pf Hall in December the same year. Mtukudzi came in as a supporting act to Simon Chimbetu but surprisingly every car that that came to the venue was playing Dzoka Uyamwe (Dande) off the album Tuku Music. Mtukudzi played his set and left. Then came the main act, Simon Chimbetu who only played a few songs before the audience demanded Mtukudzi to come back on stage.
Mtukudzi had already left. The audience then sang Dande for themselves. That day marked the return of Mtukudzi as a giant on the live entertainment scene and he never looked back. The following year Mtukudzi was filling HICC, Hellenic Sports Club and a number of upmarket venues. Coupled with proper management the album, Tuku Music, was released in South Africa, UK, France and the US where it also sold thousands of copies. Mtukudzi not only became a local legend but African icon as well.
As I pay tribute to this great man, I will forever cherish the lessons I learnt from him: no matter the situation remain focussed and committed; no matter the challenges don't quit. Never-say-die. Reginald Chapfunga is an arts promoter and critic.
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