Oliver Mtukudzi, the legendary Zimbabwean musician affectionately known as “Tuku,” would have turned 73 years old today, September 22, 2025. Born in 1952 in Harare’s Highfield suburb, Mtukudzi became one of Africa’s most beloved singers, composers, and bandleaders. He began his musical journey in 1977 with the band Wagon Wheels before launching a prolific solo career that produced over 60 albums.

Known for his distinctive husky voice and a unique sound blending Zimbabwean and South African rhythms, Mtukudzi’s music, widely called “Tuku Music,” transcended borders and cultures. Singing in Shona, Ndebele, and English, his songs spoke to the struggles and hopes of ordinary people, capturing the spirit of Zimbabwe’s independence and everyday life.

Mtukudzi passed away in January 2019 after battling diabetes, but his legacy endures through his timeless music and his role as a human rights advocate and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Today, his music continues to inspire new generations across the continent and around the world.

Dandaro Online Zimbabwe Entertainment News