Tribute to Dr Oliver Mtukudzi
Oliver
Dairai Mtukudzi became Dr Mtukudzi on 31 October 2014 upon conferment of The
Doctor of Ethnomusicology and Choreography
(Honoris Causa) by the Great Zimbabwe University.
As a tribute to the legendary musician, we publish the full citation.
He is indeed an icon of Africanness, African resurgence and African consciousness. I refer, Your Excellency and Chancellor, to the renowned and legendary Oliver Mtukudzi affectionately known as 'Tuku Samanyanga Nzou Hombe '.
Oliver Mtukudzi's music has evolved from the exclusive use of modern electrical instruments to the use of African traditional instruments like the mbira and marimba, although his acoustic guitar and cough still carry the distinctive rhythmic force of his music.
His devout use of African instruments speaks for the preservation and celebration of African culture, heritage and creative arts which, as you know, are the nerve centre of the curriculum of this university. Hence, the recognition by Great Zimbabwe University Council and Senate of the legendary work produced and lived by Oliver Mtukudzi. Mtukudzi's family has a lineage of music, as he was born into a family of musicians.
His career spans back as early as 1978 with his earliest album "Ndipeiwo zano". Indeed, he has been in the trade for 36 years. Due to his consistency in tackling socio- economic issues through music, Tuku is endeared by many who regard him as mentor, role model and father. He has remained a man of the people, a tribute to humanity which has seen him working in countless
collaborations with young artists nurturing and developing them into focused artists and business people. The man owns a music company and employs staff in excess of twenty. In addition there are countless people at any given time who benefit from spin offs created by the various departments of his music company.
It is interesting to note that more than one hundred (100) musicians have worked with Tuku in his band, The Black Spirits, over the last thirty six (36) years. Mtukudzi's ambassadorial eminence and devotion to the nation and the youths goes without saying. In 2003 Tuku founded Pakare Paye Arts Centre, a talent development academy which works mainly with the youths. Pakare Paye Arts Centre symbolizes the creativity and entrepreneurship which now radiates into our youth and young Zimbabweans.
This is in complete resonance with this University's mandate to create employment through the performing arts in line with ZimAsset. He is a renowned HIV and AIDS campaigner. While Zimbabwean artists, particularly musicians had for a long time been accused of incorrigibility towards HIV and AIDS, Mtukudzi was among the first artists to make a strong passionate public commitment in the fight against the pandemic.
His advocacy has been realised through music and film distilled through a permutation of story-telling, entertainment, education and information that advocate more righteousness in complex social issues. He denounces, outrightly, the commercialisation of traditional beliefs and convenient use of these to oppress women, girls and children in general. Oliver Mtukudzi has worked with children orphaned by AIDS to produce music based on HIV and AIDS awareness. Mtukudzi is a sound health activist. He is also an active Diabetes and Cholera campaigner. He is the Patron of the Zimbabwe Diabetic Association
of Mashonaland West Province and sits on the Associations National Board. International aid agencies have recognised Tuku for his distinguished humanitarian work, among them, Project Concern International which in 2009 presented him with their Global Annual Cultural Ambassador Award for his outstanding philanthropy.
The Government of Zimbabwe has also honoured him as Ambassador of Goodwill through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Mtukudzi has received several artistic accolades among them the KORA Best African Male Artist and life time achievement in 2004 and Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) Music Ambassador in 2006.
In addition to the numerous awards that Mtukudzi has received locally and internationally in recognition of his artistic work, The Women's University in Africa honoured him with a Master of Science degree in Fine Arts for his outstanding contribution to the arts and culture. In 2010 he was further presented with the University of Zimbabwe International Africana Womanism Award for uplifting women through Music. In April 2013, Zim Achievers Awards, in the United Kingdom, honoured him with a lifetime achievement award for contribution to music and culture.
In July of the same year, Afropop World Wide honoured him by inducting him into the Afropop Hall of Fame in the United States of America. More recently, in September 2014, Mtukudzi delivered the inaugural Hugh Masekela Lecture at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus. Further to his humanitarian work, on Workers day, this year, he toured Harare Hospital where he expressed gratitude to nurses and uplifted the spirits of the patients.
He also provided them with a free concert. Closer home, he visited the Tokwe- Murkosi flood victims with the intention of raising awareness of the needs of the affected people. Mtukudzi is a UINICEF goodwill ambassador with a special place in his heart for children. Just yesterday he visited Alpha Cottages, an orphanage in Masvingo, where he spent some time with the orphans, played some music and donated some goods to them.
Your Excellency and Chancellor, in light of all that I have said, and more, it is with confidence and deep conviction that the Council and Senate of Great Zimbabwe University unreservedly present to you Mr Oliver Mtukudzi for conferment of the degree which celebrates the highest level of achievement by an individual in his or her area of distinction.
The university coverts this type of award and does not grant it lightly as it carries with it a high level of distinction and reputation. I present to you, the legend, Mr. Oliver Mtukudzi for the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology and choreography (Honoris Causa).
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