Oliver Mtukudzi, one of Zimbabwe’s most renowned musicians, has died aged 66 after a four-decade career.
He came to prominence in the 1970s as one of voices of the revolution fighting white-minority rule.
His lyrics often carried social messages about HIV/Aids and coded political commentary.
His 2001 song Wasakara, meaning “You Are Too Old”, was banned as it was seen as a reference to leader Robert Mugabe, who was ousted 16 years later aged 93.
The singer and guitarist mixed several different styles to create his own distinctive Afro-jazz sound, known to his fans as “Tuku Music”.
In a long career he released 67 albums and toured the world.
His lyrics, delivered through rasping vocals, often carried social messages about HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse and encouraging self-respect, sometimes invoking proverbs and wisdom from his mother tongue, Shona.
“Today we said goodbye to a true patriot. Oliver Mtukudzi, your voice has given us comfort during difficult times, and will remain with us for posterity,” President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote on Twitter.
Today we said goodbye to a true patriot. Oliver Mtukudzi, your voice has given us comfort during difficult times, and will remain with us for posterity. Rest in peace comrade. pic.twitter.com/XZkyVbQ4Qq
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) January 23, 2019
He is immortalized through the contribution he made to the arts, with talent that fired up all of Africa. Deepest condolences to his loved ones.South africa President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote on Twitter
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of music legend & human rights activist Oliver Mtukudzi. He is immortalized through the contribution he made to the arts, with talent that fired up all of Africa. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. From his No. 1 fan in the whole world. pic.twitter.com/SKuhCAVNvU
— President Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) January 24, 2019
Former president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, also paid his respects on Twitter, saying “[Mtukudzi’s] music has carried us through some of our darkest and happiest times”.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legend, Oliver Mtukudzi. His music has carried us through some of our darkest and happiest times, it has also united us across borders. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends. Zorora murugare, dear Tuku. pic.twitter.com/gc4pwRQLzB
— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) January 24, 2019
Kenya’s former prime minister also paid his respects on Twitter, “saying Your question rendered in lyrics, What Shall We Do? May still have no answer.”
Your question rendered in lyrics, What Shall We Do? May still have no answer. But be assured Africa and the world are struggling with it even as we accept the finality of your death. We will miss your enthralling performances and salute you. Rest in peace Oliver Mtudukuzi.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) January 23, 2019
“If anyone ever made me proud to be Zimbabwean it was you,” former Zimbabwean Minister of Education David Coltart said. “Thank you for making us happy for so long, especially during the darkest days”.
Rest in peace Oliver Mtukudzi. If anyone ever made me proud to be #Zimbabwean it was you. Thank you for making us happy for so long, especially during the darkest days. pic.twitter.com/K5gsugnb2f
— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) January 23, 2019
This are some of the things he has been remembered for , what do you remember him for?