NORTON– The family of the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi remains divided, with the wounds from last year’s dramatic fallout seemingly unhealed This division is set to play out publicly once again in September, as Selmor Mtukudzi and her father’s widow, Daisy, organise separate events to commemorate the legendary musician’s life Tuku passed away on January 23, 2019, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a family seemingly torn apart by internal strife While the annual Tuku Half Marathon and Wellness event is held every January, September has also become a month marked by posthumous celebrations of his life
Last year saw the introduction of the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), but the inaugural event was marred by a very public display of family tensions Selmor and Sandra Mtukudzi later aired their grievances on DJ Ollah 7’s podcast The inaugural two-day OMIFA festival, held at Pakare Paye in Norton, attracted a substantial crowd but was overshadowed by Selmor’s abrupt departure from the stage after performing just one song Her team attributed her emotional exit to being overwhelmed, but the incident ignited a national debate and further exposed the deep divisions within the Mtukudzi family
Public opinion was split, with some siding with Selmor and others supporting Daisy Now, ten months after that dramatic episode, the family appears no closer to reconciliation OMIFA 25 is set to return on September 20, while Selmor is organising a parallel event titled “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run” the following day Selmor’s event is being managed by Evonne Mudzingwa, who previously managed the Tuku Half Marathon, and has the support of Daisy
Daisy confirmed that preparations for OMIFA 2025 are underway “We are proceeding with the programme as planned, on September 20, and this is the only way I can remember my late husband in the company of his fans,” she said “We have been busy with preparations despite a lack of funding and other challenges Being an annual event, we want this occasion to serve its purpose for the benefit of all attendees
We will appreciate those who come to celebrate with us.”
When asked about Selmor’s event, Daisy responded: “Well, I am not on social media but there are people who tell me all sorts of stories I have heard about their event and the people behind it I wouldn’t want to comment much on that because people will end up criticising me on social media, as was the case last year.”
She added: “As I said earlier, I don’t want to talk much about that because, to me, it’s just gossip When it comes to drama queens and kings, I am not there to control them
A lot has happened and is in the public domain ever since Tuku’s death I have learnt to ignore some of these lunatics I wish Tuku was here because he knew how to manage people He had a special way of whipping people in line but now that he is gone, we can only celebrate his life
On that note, OMIFA 2025 is going ahead.”
Mudzingwa clarified that she is managing Selmor’s event as a service provider “This event has nothing to do with Daisy, it’s Selmor’s event where she is celebrating her father’s legacy I am here solely to assist Selmor I am a service provider managing the event.”
Mudzingwa also shared expectations for the “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run,” stating, “Registration is still in progress and we are expecting over 500 runners.”
Source: My Zimbabwe
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Source: Myzimbabwe
