Oliver Mtukudzi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi
Background information
Born	(1952-09-22)22 September 1952 Highfield, Southern Rhodesia (modern-day Harare, Zimbabwe)
Died	23 January 2019(2019-01-23) (aged 66) Harare, Zimbabwe
Genres	Afro Jazz / Tuku Music
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1977–2019
Associated acts	Thomas Mapfumo, Simon Chimbetu, System Tazvida, Winky D, Hugh Masekela, Ringo Madlingozi, Jah Prayzah

Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi (born September 22, 1952 – died January 23, 2019) was a famous Zimbabwean musician. He was also a successful businessman and helped many people through his charity work. Tuku was a human rights activist and a special ambassador for UNICEF in Southern Africa.

Discovering Oliver Mtukudzi's Music Journey

Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits performing live.

Oliver Mtukudzi grew up in Highfield, a poor area in what was then Salisbury (now Harare) in Southern Rhodesia. He started his music career in 1977. He joined a band called Wagon Wheels. Other talented musicians like Thomas Mapfumo were also in this band.

Early Opportunities and Success

A music promoter named Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo helped the band a lot. He gave them money and resources. This allowed them to perform at Club Mutanga. At that time, this was one of the few places where black musicians could play due to segregation rules.

Their first song, Dzandimomotera, became a huge hit. It sold so well that it went gold! Tuku's first album was also very successful. He later became part of Mahube, a "supergroup" from Southern Africa.

Tuku Music: A Unique Sound

Oliver Mtukudzi had a very special, husky voice. He became the most famous musician from Zimbabwe to gain international recognition. He had many fans across Africa and around the world.

Tuku was a member of the KoreKore group in Zimbabwe. He sang mostly in the Shona language, but also in Ndebele and English. He mixed different music styles to create his own unique sound. Fans called this special style Tuku Music.

International Tours and Performances

Mtukudzi traveled the world to perform his music. He went on many tours in the UK, the US, and Canada. He played for large audiences who loved his distinctive sound. In 2017, he even performed at a wedding for a Zimbabwean businessman.

Oliver Mtukudzi's Family Life

Oliver Mtukudzi had five children and two grandchildren. Two of his children also became musicians, following in his footsteps.

A Tribute to His Son

Sadly, his son Sam Mtukudzi, who was also a successful musician, died in a car accident in March 2010. In 2013, Oliver Mtukudzi released an album called "Sarawoga." This album was a special tribute to his son.

His Passing

Oliver Mtukudzi passed away on January 23, 2019. He was 66 years old. He died in Harare, Zimbabwe, after a long illness with diabetes mellitus.

Oliver Mtukudzi's Albums

Other Music Contributions

• 1996 The Rough Guide to the Music of Zimbabwe (World Music Network)
• 1999 Unwired: Acoustic Music from Around the World (World Music Network)
• 2000 Unwired: Africa (World Music Network)

Oliver Mtukudzi's Films

Oliver Mtukudzi was also involved in several films:

• Jit (1990)
• Neria (1993) — Tuku starred in this movie and created its soundtrack.
• Shanda (2002, revised 2004)
• Sarawoga (2009) — Oliver Mtukudzi produced this film and made its soundtrack.
• Nzou NeMhuru Mudanga DVD (2012) — This was a live recording of a show he performed with his son just weeks before his son's death.

Awards and Recognition

Oliver Mtukudzi received special honors for his work:

• He received an honorary degree from the University of Zimbabwe in December 2003.
• He won the M-Net Best Soundtrack Award in 1992 for his work on the film Neria.

See also

In Spanish: Oliver Mtukudzi para niños