HARARE, Zimbabwe – The iconic 66-year-old musician, nicknamed Tuku, had been struggling with his health for over a month.
Musician Oliver Mtukudzi has passed away, according to multiple news sources in Zimbabwe.
A tweet sent out by Zimbabwean legislator, Hon. Temba P. Mliswa confirmed the passing of the African music giant
I have it on good authority that Dr. Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi is no more. We’ve lost an icon & my heartfelt condolences to Daisy&family. I’m writing to the President to apply for National Hero status for his national contribution to the music, arts & culture industry. MHDRIEP ?? pic.twitter.com/RfnVSr8oUY
— Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) January 23, 2019
According to the tweet, the publication “has it on good authority that he died two hours ago in the ICE at Avenues Clinic in Harare”.
Zimbabwean music legend, Oliver Mtukudzi, has died – on the same date jazz great Hugh Masekela passed on a year ago. He was 67, and about to release his 67th album. RIP #OliverMtukudzi pic.twitter.com/LmlbF3ftxU
— Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3) January 23, 2019
The musical icon’s death has since also been reported in NewsDay as well as Health Times, who reported that the death has been confirmed by a reliable family member.
The 66-year-old musician, nicknamed Tuku, had been struggling with his health for over a month.
No statement has been released yet by the family and the cause of Mtukudzi’s death is not yet known.
The fact that Oliver Mtukudzi passed on on the first death anniversary of his friend Hugh Masekela…..??? #riptuku #Tuku pic.twitter.com/ycprj9EFjU
— Wishes Zimunya?? (@wishietarie) January 23, 2019
Tributes have already begun pouring in on social media.
As well as possibly the country’s best-known musical export, Mtukudzi was a businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.
He released 58 albums.
Legendary Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi has died – same day as Masekela died a year ago. Africa mourns! pic.twitter.com/EizcRb8psp
— Sheila Nduhukire ?? (@Snduhukire) January 23, 2019
Ugandans took to social media to share their condolences for the fallen music giant in Africa.
Media guru, Charles Onyango-Obbo extended his condolences in a tweet saying, “Zimbabwean music legend, Oliver Mtukudzi, has died – on the same date jazz great Hugh Masekela passed on a year ago. He was 67, and about to release his 67th album. RIP #OliverMtukudzi