Zimbabwean jazz musician Oliver Mtukudzi has passed away aged 66.
The legendary 66-year-old jazz musician had been struggling with his health for over a month before his death.
Mtukudzi’s family is set to to release a statement later this evening.
As well as possibly the country’s best-known musical export, Mtukudzi was a businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.
His afro-jazz music crossed continents creating a huge base of fans around the world.
Tributes for the man popularly known as Tuku began to flow with, fans sending in their condolences.
Thank you for the music ntate Oliver Mtukudzi. When you get to Heaven, please play my mother Raki. It was her favourite song by you. Rest in perfect harmony. #RIPOliverMtukudzi pic.twitter.com/ggtDo3qWcp
— Brother Bear 🐻 (@Blaklez) January 23, 2019
The world has lost Giants of the MUSIQ industry #RIPOliverMtukudzi pic.twitter.com/N7sDqdiKUR
— AJ_ (@Aj_worldwyd) January 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/MutumaKaai/status/1088088412467482625
Really saddened by the news of the passing of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi 🇿🇼🇿🇦 23 January never loved us💔
Hugh Masekela 23-01-2018
Oliver Mtukudzi 23-01-2019Two friends taken from us but reunited in heaven #RIPOliverMtukudzi #RIPTuku pic.twitter.com/zQXLJwquwT
— Berakha (@Sir_Sibu) January 23, 2019
In an interview with TshisaLIVE a year ago, Mtukudzi spoke about his excitement of releasing his 67th album.
“My 67th album is meant to share a message of introspecting and I’m hoping people learn a thing or two from it. It’s an album I wrote last year after I realised that the world keeps getting tangled up in ‘unnecessary’ problems,” he’s quoted as saying.
Tuku was a critically acclaimed musician who toured several countries and has been endorsed by many companies as their brand ambassador.
He has been to all five continents of the world, playing in world capitals and at top festivals.
