By Chantelle Tatenda Muzanenhamo
In a deeply emotional moment at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre, Selmor Mtukudzi overwhelmed the audience with her heartfelt words during the festival honoring her late father, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
Selmor was unable to deliver her set, her emotions spilling over as she confronted the reality of her place within her father’s legacy.
“I have wanted to be on this stage for so many years ndichirambidzwa, dai pasina imi makandirwira handaisvika pano,” Selmor told the audience, thanking them for their unwavering support.
“Muchasvika rinhi muchindirwira hameno kuti vakafa vanonzwa here. Ndinoda kutenda mudhara wangu vakashanda vakativakira nzvimbo yakanaka kudai, asi zvavaida handizvo zvirikuitika nhasi, havizirizvo…ndosvika rinhi hama dzangu muchindirwira everytime? Ndosvika rinhi ndisingabatwe kunge mwana wepanapa,” she lamented, her words resonating with many who witnessed the moment.
The outpouring of emotion from Selmor has sparked a heated debate among fans and observers about the complexities of family dynamics within the Mtukudzi legacy.
Some fans reflected on the late Tuku’s shortcomings in uniting his family, with one stating, “Tuku akafa asina kubatanidza mhuri.” Another expressed, “Now I really understand his song ‘Hazvirewe rudo handina’ was not just a song; it had deeper thoughts. Otherwise we couldn’t have these problems.”
While many empathised with Selmor’s pain, others condemned her for discussing family issues on stage, arguing that it detracted from the musical celebration.
“Personally I understand the pain Selmor went through, but it wasn’t necessary to talk family issues on stage no matter how painful it was. People paid to hear her music, not family issues; that was very unprofessional,” one fan remarked.
The blame game did not stop with Selmor. A significant portion of the criticism turned toward Daisy Mtukudzi, Tuku’s current wife. Fans questioned her role in the festival’s organization and the lack of involvement of Selmor.
“Daisy is wrong; in fact, the cause of all these problems. Not involving Selmor in the organizing of his father’s legacy festival was wrong and says a lot about her personality,” one fan asserted.
Another noted, “I saw her video saying Selmor we sent her an email to come and perform even though we didn’t put her on the poster because she is part of the family… my question is: If you are a family member for your father’s legacy festival, do you need an email or you must be involved in the planning from the beginning?”
Furthermore, some fans voiced concerns that Daisy’s public statements had revealed an underlying animosity toward Tuku’s children from his first marriage.
As the dust settles on this emotionally charged event, one question looms large: Who is to blame for the discord within the Mtukudzi family?
While Tuku’s legacy lives on through his music, the unresolved issues within his family remain a poignant reminder of the complexities that often accompany fame and fortune.
The festival may have celebrated Tuku’s life, but it also unveiled the deep-seated emotional struggles of those he left behind.