Mtukudzi grew up in
Highfield, a poor neighborhood in
Salisbury (modern-day Harare) in
Southern Rhodesia. He began performing in 1977 when he joined the Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured
Thomas Mapfumo and fellow guitarist
James Chimombe. They were given the rare opportunity by
Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo, an
African nationalist and music promotor, who provided money and resources to the group. He allowed them to perform at Club Mutanga (Pungwe) which, at the time, was the only
night club available for blacks under Rhodesia's policy of segregation. Their single Dzandimomotera went gold and Tuku's first album followed, which was also a major success. Mtukudzi was also a contributor to Mahube, Southern Africa's "supergroup".[1]
With his husky voice, Mtukudzi became the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and onto the international scene and he earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond. A member of Zimbabwe's
KoreKore group, with Nzou Samanyanga as his totem, he sang in the nation's dominant
Shona language along with
Ndebele and English. He also incorporated elements of different musical traditions, giving his music a distinctive style, known to fans as Tuku Music.
Mtukudzi had a number of tours around the world. He was on several tours in the UK, US and Canada to perform for large audiences. In 2017 Mtukudzi entertained guests at the wedding of Zimbabwean businessman
Wicknell Chivayo.[2]
Social commentary
Prior to the independence of
Zimbabwe, Mtukudzi's music depicted the struggles under
Rhodesian white minority rule.[3] In subsequent years following
Zimbabwean independence, his music has advocated for tolerance and peace and has frequently portrayed the struggles of women and children.[4]
Personal life and death
Mtukudzi was the father of five children and had three grandchildren. Two of his children are also musicians. His son
Sam Mtukudzi, a successful musician in his own right, died in a car accident in March 2010 and in 2013, Mtukudzi released an album titled "Sarawoga", in tribute to his son.[5][6][7]
On 23 January 2019, Mtukudzi died at the age of 66 at Avenues Clinic in
Harare, Zimbabwe after a long battle with
diabetes mellitus.[8]
2012 Sarawoga — Sarawoga laments the losses that the legend has had to endure in his life, not least the loss of life. Thus he has been left 'alone' in a sense, hence the title Sarawoga (left alone).
Neria (dir. Goodwin Mawuru, written by
Tsitsi Dangarembga, 1993). Mtukudzi starred in the movie and made the soundtrack.
Shanda (dir. John and Louise Riber, 2002, rev. 2004)[10]
Sarawoga, 2009, was written by Elias C. Machemedze, directed by Watson Chidzomba and produced by Oliver Mtukudzi, who also did the soundtrack for the film.
2012 Nzou NeMhuru Mudanga DVD, the live recording of a show, a theatrical performance which Tuku had with his son just weeks before his death.
A new Neria 21 film was
premiered by Rawsoot Studios in 2021 and later public
release in March 2024 on YouTube. The new release was dedicated to the late musician Oliver Mtukudzi.