AFRIMA mourns Oliver Mtukudzi

In 2017, Mtukudzi was the recipient of the AFRIMA Legend Award, a category that recognises the influence and excellence of the continent’s music legends who contribute to the growth of African music and culture and use their craft to bring global renown to the continent.

Tuku was present on the live stage of the 2017 AFRIMA main ceremony on 10 November at Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Besides receiving his trophy in recognition as an African music legend, Mtukudzi also performed his 1995 single ‘Hear Me Lord’.

“His passing is a huge loss to the world of music and has left a vacuum,” AFRIMA president Mike Dada wrote in a letter to the Zimbabwean government. "However, his standard of greatness and talent is one that we will hold in our hearts forever. Tuku led a life of virtue, using his music to show his concern for humanity.

"He was a preacher and a freedom fighter, his music represented freedom and hope for us all. We will never forget his struggles, which served as an inspiration to the arts, music and culture community in Africa and in the diaspora.”