The once harmonious world of Oliver Mtukudzi’s family has been shattered by a bitter feud that threatens to overshadow the legendary Zimbabwean musician’s legacy.
The conflict escalated following Selmor Mtukudzi’s exclusion from the Tuku International Festival, sparking a social media frenzy.
The festival, scheduled for September 21 and 22 at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, has been shrouded in controversy due to Selmor’s exclusion.
Speculations abound that her exclusion is a result of a clash with Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy.
Daisy has faced accusations of marginalising Mtukudzi’s other children from his will and other projects associated with the late musical icon.
The feud ignited after Mtukudzi’s passing, leading to physical altercations between some of his children and his wife.
Mtukudzi succumbed to diabetes on January 23, 2019, and was declared a national hero. Since his demise, the relationship between his daughters has been strained, with media outlets capturing incidents of a bitter war over his legacy.
Selmor, born from Mtukudzi’s first marriage to Melody Murape, has followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a successful musician in her own right.
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Samantha, also known as Shami, is Mtukudzi’s daughter from his second marriage to Daisy and has been a member of the Black Spirits since 2016.
To express his deep love for Shami, Mtukudzi composed the song “Shami/Patapata” following her wedding, making her the only living child he ever wrote a song for.
He also composed “Ndakaronga Dondo” after the death of his son Sam and “Mbabvu Yangu” for Daisy.
Tuku’s deep love for Daisy was not a secret hence he composed and dedicated a whole album title Svovi Yangu for her in 1996. That should also explain his decision to leave all movable and immovable property to surviving spouse Daisy Kudzai Mtukudzi.
Since Mtukudzi’s passing, the Mtukudzi family has received numerous claims from individuals alleging to be the late singer’s offspring, some even seeking DNA tests.
Five children have emerged, including the recent claim from 45-year-old Aaron Chaka, whose mother Rosie Makumbe sensationally asserted that the song “Hazvirevi Rudo Handina” was composed for their son.
This is not the first time Selmor has been excluded from an event celebrating her father’s legacy. She was initially excluded from a show at Glamis, sparking public outrage.
Now, on September 21st and 22nd, Pakare Paye Arts Centre will witness a dramatic reunion of ‘sisters’ sharing the stage to celebrate their father’s legacy, yet divided in the process.
Thanks to fan outcry, Selmor has been included in the lineup. However, she won’t be part of the Black Spirits.
The Black Spirits will perform separately, featuring Shami, Mbeu, Sarungano, and Donald Kanyuchi, all of whom were groomed at Pakare Paye under Tuku’s mentorship.
Mbeu and Sarungano were managed by Eugene Museredza, who is still managing Sarungano but has parted ways with Mbeu.
The Black Spirits have undergone a significant change in membership, with Shami leading a new group of musicians.
This marks a departure from the band’s previous line-up, which included several members who worked with her father.
Selmor may assert her authority by assembling a band that includes former Black Spirits members who worked with Tuku and have publicly voiced their support for her.
This tactic, which she has employed in the past, could garner more public sympathy.
Meanwhile, Shami will be travelling to South Africa with Mbeu as part of the Black Spirits for a festival honouring Tuku.
The trip is being facilitated by Walter Wanyanya, Oliver Mtukudzi’s last manager.
In 2019, when Shami and Selmor faced off at a Tuku tribute concert, there was drama as Samantha and her step-sisters Selmor and Sandra avoided each other backstage.
The concert, held at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare, was organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. Daisy, Tuku’s widow and Shami’s mother, expressed her frustration with the ongoing dispute surrounding Selmor’s exclusion from the festival. In an interview with a local daily newspaper, she said she was tired of the controversy.
“I am tired of that issue because people will always put the blame on me.
“I was told by the event organisers that she was not picking up her calls.
“Selmor was supposed to be at the forefront leading us, but she is difficult,” said Daisy, adding she will not lose sleep over people planning a boycott since it “will change nothing”.
“As for Selmor, she should not wait to be invited when family events of this magnitude are being organised,” she said.
Daisy also dismissed assertions that Selmor was being treated like an outcast.
“I don’t know what people want me to do for Selmor because she is not a minor anymore. She knows the right thing to do for the sake of protecting the family name,” she said.
Will this festival be a catalyst for reconciliation between the Tuku sisters, or will it further exacerbate their longstanding feud?
Will the backstage environment be cordial?
Whose band will perform first? Will the first performer stay to watch the later performance? What will the sisters say about each other and their father? Will they go on stage together?
Do they even talk to each other or call each other? Daisy said Selmor wasn't answering her phone, when the festival promoter called her. Wasn't she supposed to reach out as well, as a mother? Could it be because they don't even talk?
Who will fans root for? Will fan reaction influence the atmosphere of the night(s)?
