Thursday, March 18, 2010

(TALKZIMBABWE) Tuku, a symbol of unity

Tuku, a symbol of unity
By: Prince Mukono
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010 10:07 am

THE Mtukudzi family is one Zimbabwean family that should be emulated by all musicians and citizens in the country.

The burial of the late Sam Mtukudzi, the one and only son of Zimbabwean musical maestro was testament to the fact that one does not need to be in politics to make a big difference.

This is one family that, through thick and thin, struggled with the masses of Zimbabwe and gave hope at a time when others were busy advocating sanctions for their own country.

Oliver and Sam could have easily gone into exile and settled anywhere they want, in Africa or in the world.

When he was on a trip to London last year, I asked Oliver why he had stayed in Zimbabwe. He told me that: "The people of Zimbabwe need me. I am there to inspire these young people, otherwise we will breed a generation of crooks, murderers and thieves." Indeed Mtukudzi inspired these young people and showed true patriotism that even some of our own politicians are unable to show today.

Noone can ever say that Tuku was and is always agreeable with the politics in the country, but he has never used the situation in his own country for selfish means. He alsways stayed truly Zimbabwean and patriotic.

He inspired that spirit in Sam and Owen Chimhare. These two young people were remarkable and should be an inspiration to all young people who think they can only make a difference by talking ill about their elders and disrespecting their leaders.

The burial of Sam and Owen dwarfed the visit by Presdient Jacob Zuma, who is in the country to debate "very important issues". One lesson is learnt from this: Zimbabweans will rally together first before they pay homage to anyone else, and issues of politics are not necessarily that important in the scale of things.

Looking at the manner in which his son was buried, Tuku could actually be the first person outside politics to be declared a national hero after his death.

I hope every Zimbabwean will look in the mirror and ask themselves the real question: "Is what I am doing detrimental to my own people or not?"




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posted by MrK @ 8:41 PM 0 Comments

Thursday, May 14, 2009

An artiste is like a mirror, says Mutukuzi

An artiste is like a mirror, says Mutukuzi
Written by Wana Kalala
Thursday, May 14, 2009 3:52:07 PM

RENOWNED Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi has said artistes have a responsibility to address health issues in their nations. Addressing the media at Hotel Intercontinental on Thursday, Mtukudzi said artistes as representatives of cultures and nations needed to reflect issues affecting society.

"An artiste is like a mirror of the people. I think whatever we are doing here is our responsibility. We are a bridge between those who don't know and those who know... (This) is why we are artistes, we have to disseminate information to the people; not only musicians, sculptors, visual arts, we all speak the same language," he said.

Mtukudzi, who arrived in Zambia on Wednesday, is scheduled to perform at tomorrow's Rhythm of Life festival to be held at the Lusaka Showgrounds.

The all-day music, dance and art festival will also feature many prominent Zambian artistes, as well as the provision of free health services and information on malaria, HIV, family planning and related matters.

A malaria ambassador in Zimbabwe, Mtukudzi said health issues affected the entire continent, and artistes had an obligation to use their craft to build their countries. "The most important thing here is to talk about health, which is needed in Zimbabwe and it's also needed in Zambia, it's needed in Africa, and as artistes we are doing our best to do our job to make sure we build our nations through art," he said.

Mtukudzi added that journalists were also artistes, and shared the same purpose as musicians, sculptors in bringing about positive change in society.

He expressed hope that the Health Communication Partnership (HCP), which together with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are coordinating the festival, would hold a similar event in his country. "We should adopt this concept...we need to take this concept to Zimbabwe. This concept is just brilliant," said Mtukudzi.

HCP-Zambia deputy chief of party Uttara Bharath Kumar said the participating artistes had pledged to be health ambassadors and would bring energy and focus to health issues that affect everyone.

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posted by MrK @ 2:54 PM 0 Comments