Oliver Mtukudzi

Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi was a Zimbabwean musical icon known for blending various South African music traditions to create his distinctive "Tuku music" style. With a career spanning four decades and 67 albums, he gained international recognition with the release of 1999's Tuku Music. Mtukudzi, also an actor and philanthropist, was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2012. Despite battling diabetes, he remained active in music until his passing in 2019, leaving a legacy of compassion and concern for others.

Born in Zimbabwe, Mtukudzi rose to fame in the late '70s, releasing hits like "Dzandimomotera" that reflected the struggles of his country. By the '90s, he ventured into film and drama, starring in acclaimed productions like Jit and Neria. The release of Tuku Music in 1999 propelled him to international fame, leading to successful tours and collaborations with artists like Bonnie Raitt. A father of five, Mtukudzi's children Selmor and Sam also pursued music careers. Despite personal tragedies and health challenges, Mtukudzi's commitment to activism and music endured, culminating in his poignant final album, Hany'ga, released in 2018 before his passing.