Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mbeu and Mafikizolo grace another Oliver Mtukudzi concert…no drama this time!

A smooth and successful Oliver Mtukudzi tribute concert in South Africa is in stark contrast Drama that marred the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) held recently in Zimbabwe.

While the Norton event was marred by family tensions and a highly publicized emotional breakdown by Selmor Mtukudzi, the Johannesburg concert, part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, was a resounding success and celebrated the late music icon’s legacy without incident.

The South African tribute, supported by the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), featured a stellar cast including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mafikizolo and Zimbabwean musician Mbeu.

Other artists included guitarist Mono Mukundu, Thandisa Mazwai, Samantha Mtukudzi, Maduvha Madima and Ihhashi Elimhlophe, all contributing to a lively and respectful tribute to Tuku’s music. Chaka Chaka and Mbeu delivered, among other things, powerful interpretations of Tuku’s classic “Neria”, demonstrating the enduring appeal of his music across all borders.

Reflecting on the event, Mono Mukundu said: “I would like to thank the organizers and all Zimbabweans who were there as the late superstar Oliver Mtukudzi was properly honored and celebrated at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival.” Guest artists Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Maduvha Madima delivered outstanding performances alongside Mbeu, Samantha and Fiona. We were just honoring our legend and having fun at the same time.”

SAMPRA echoed those sentiments, highlighting Tuku’s remarkable four-decade career and the respect his legacy deserves.

Tuku’s international success is well documented. His album “Tuku Music”, released in South Africa under Debbie Metcalf, contained hits such as “Dzoka Uyamwe”, “Todiii”, “Ndima Ndapedza”, “Tsika Dzedu”, “Mai Varamba”, “Rirongere” and “Tapindwa Neyi”. and “Mabasa,” demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. His husky voice and captivating music resonated with fans around the world and cemented his status as an internationally recognized musician.

The stark contrast between the South African homage and the Zimbabwean OMIFA highlights the underlying familial tensions that continue to cast a shadow over Tuku’s legacy. The Zimbabwean festival, organized by Tuku Music, which manages the late musician’s affairs, was intended to be a celebration of his life and work, bringing together musicians and artists from around the world.

However, there was controversy from the start as Selmor Mtukudzi, one of Tuku’s daughters from his first marriage, was initially excluded from the program. This exclusion sparked a heated debate on social media and in the Zimbabwean media and ultimately led to their admission, albeit under difficult circumstances.

Selmor’s emotional breakdown on stage after performing just one song brought these simmering family tensions into the harsh spotlight of public scrutiny. In a subsequent podcast interview with DJ Ollah 7, Selmor and her sister Sandra recounted their experiences growing up in the Tuku household and detailed the emotional strain of their relationship with their stepmother Daisy Mtukudzi, Tuku’s widow.

Selmor expressed her dismay at the last-minute invitation to the festival, questioned the reasons for her initial exclusion and dismissed claims of budgetary constraints. She also described the harassment she and her band faced when they arrived in Pakare Paye. the removal of her father’s pictures and her own artifacts from the venue and the lack of support from the organizers.

Selmor’s emotional outburst sparked a reaction from Daisy Mtukudzi, who stressed in an interview with The Herald that the festival was meant to celebrate Tuku’s legacy and not individual personalities. Daisy explained: “At least the world saw the whole drama. I know people will still attack me, but what did I do to deserve this embarrassment? …The event was all about celebrating Tuku’s legacy and a life well lived. It wasn’t about Daisy or whoever, because we were remembering an icon.”

Selmor, in an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment, expressed her remorse over her emotional breakdown, stating: “I was completely overwhelmed that day (at the festival). I sincerely apologize for not being as strong as my supporters had hoped. I hurt the people who trusted me implicitly and supported me by not performing. I tried to calm myself down, but I couldn’t.”

She detailed her careful preparations for the performance and highlighted the special importance of performing at Pakare Paye, a venue where she had previously been denied permission to perform by Daisy. She also described the troubling events leading up to her performance, including the removal of her paintings and artifacts from the venue.

To add complexity to the situation, Aaron Chaka, a 45-year-old man who claims to be Tuku’s eldest son, was also denied entry to OMIFA in Pakare Paye. Although he has refused DNA tests to confirm his paternity, several family members confirm that he is Tuku’s child and My Zimbabwe News will publish an article this week revealing why Aaron Chaka is most likely Tuku’s biological son.

This incident further fuels the ongoing debate over the management of Tuku’s legacy and distribution of his assets, which, according to a will made after his death, left the majority of his assets to Daisy, including cars, music rights and Pakare Paye Arts Center. However, some family members question the validity of this will.

The contrasting experiences of the South African and Zimbabwean tribute concerts illustrate the complexities of celebrating Tuku’s legacy and underscore ongoing family tensions and the need for reconciliation.

While the event in South Africa was a respectful and successful tribute, the event in Zimbabwe is a stark reminder of the unresolved issues within the Mtukudzi family. The late musician’s lasting legacy continues to be shaped by both his music and himself There is ongoing family drama and it will be a lesson to many men that fathering children with multiple women often leads to endless family disputes.

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