The Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, will host a function to celebrate the music and life of Oliver Mtukudzi on Tuesday.
The celebration is open to the public. Mtukudzi is credited for helping a number of budding musicians through his Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
He has done collaborations with a number of local and foreign musicians.
The family of the late Mtukudzi says the function is a fitting way to celebrate his life and will see tribute performances by a number of musicians including two of his daughters.
The Zimbabwean master of song, who was affectionately known as Tuku, died on 23 January after losing a battle to diabetes.
Mtukudzi’s nephew, Walter Wanyanya says some family members will attend the event but Mtukudzi’ s widow will not attend. He says Tuesday’s events will begin at 12 midday and end at 5pm.
“Dr Oliver Mtukudzi was all about music that makes everybody happy, that gives you a reason to smile one more time, one more day, one more hour and one more minute. I think we want to continue with that celebration and celebrate his life and the joy that he brought to all of us through his music. Two of his daughters are going to be part of the memorial today, you’ll probably expect a lot of artists that he worked with in South Africa sharing a few words about their experiences with Uncle Oliver and also them performing some of his songs and some collaborations that he did. Artists like Judith Sephuma and Ringo are to come together with South Africans who embraced Oliver Mtukudzi as theirs. He was Africa you know, anybody’s free to come just come through,” says Wanyanya.
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