Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga FFF
Politicians, business executives, entrepreneurs, academics, the general public and villagers all envied what real toil earns. It was so unassuming to learn that there is no need to steal from the same people who support you. Dr Oliver Mtukudzi's success spoke for itself. Instead of paying attention to the proceedings of the funeral I saw famous men at the fish pond and the fowl run admiring the projects the crooner was pursuing. Musicians have always been lowly regarded in the field business and meaningful wealth is least expected from them. But what I witnessed on this day is unalike. Well to do men admitted Dr Oliver Mtukudzi was focused.
It has been one and half years ago I was in Madziwa for Dr Oliver Mtukudzi's burial when I witnessed all this. All the who is who of our country thronged the Mtukudzi homestead to pay their last respects to the iconic figure. The government of Zimbabwe had conferred a heroes status on Dr Oliver Mtukudzi for his immense contribution to society.. Maybe owing to the crowding and small space His Excellence Cde ED Mnangagwa The President of Zimbabwe could have been present. Cde Oppah Muchinguri stood on behalf of the President. The main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa was present.
Dr Oliver Mtukudzi's thatch roofed house could not only resemble some artistic touch but was also a signature of style. Many musicians and artists walked their shoulders high with pride because it undeniably manifested that art rewards. I had never been to a top musician’s funeral before but what I constantly watched on TV before about other departed musicians was implausible music and art aren't a worthy career.
Besides wealth it was evident Dr Oliver Mtukudzi earned the trust of the society also judging by the profile, rank and number of people who were present at the funeral. His music had a lot of influence in celebrating our African identity. The lyrics related so well with the struggles of African people, Ndipeiwo Zano was a song that drew the lamentations of a society that found itself restricted and marginalized in the land of their rights. Laws and resources meant for everyone end up protecting a privileged few.
Out of his own creativity Dr Oliver Mtukudzi earned wealthy. He spend his time to clothe the society with wisdom. Where it was complicated Mtukudzi uncomplicated Chirimupoto. Taboo he would speak Nhaka Sandibonde discouraging our African tradition which expected a widowed daughter in law to marry one of her late husband's brothers.
His money amassed from the number of people who took his music seriously ayi Shanda, he worked hard. Just to be precise Dr Oliver Mtukudzi's music cut across the tribal divide, the whole country liked his music. I never attended any of his rallies but his concerts I patronized, with my own intent paying any amount demanded just to hear him play Nhai Mwari Seiko, why Lord. I would have gone through torment with my own life’s never ending challenges.
Many boast around they are wealthy ndine mari mubhuti bragging about their stashed money, they go on to show off but they never leave any noticeable legacy. Nothing shows they really had money all over their closets. They live for themselves and their selfishness departs with them to their graves. The society instead of feeling lose it falls short of celebrating.
Dr Oliver Mtukudzi left properties in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Pakare Paye is the most central legacy that youths of Norton are enjoying. The Arts Centre there offers free rehearsals and access to musical instruments. Many young musicians went through the center and have gone on to establish promising careers. Munyaradzi Mataruse, Ashton Mbeu Nyahora, Bernard Betera and many other young musicians who went through the center.
So art is a business just as good as any other sectors. What I observed from a distance on Dr Oliver Mtukudzi was his talent, discipline, consistency and strategy. Many people say Dr Oliver Mtukudzi's breakthrough came after the release of his album Tuku Music in 1999. I would argue that it was his talent that he respected and believed in from the word go. Had he never started no breakthrough would have come. Every effort of his talent cumulatively earned him wealth without pursuing academics. His Rhodesian Junior Certificate RJC was good enough. Dr Oliver Mtukudzi was internationally recognized and was a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Dr Oliver Mtukudzi won many awards in Zimbabwe and Africa.
The mechanism Dr Oliver Mtukudzi employed should be worthy examining. As artists as government we have a model to develop from. It will be productive for our arts industry and country. Dr Oliver Mtukudzi played his part, rest in peace Tuku.
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