Oliver Mtukudzi sings for Zanu PF

Oliver Mtukudzi sings for Zanu PF

SINGING FOR HIS SUPPER: Oliver Mtukudzi

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By Showbiz Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN music icon Oliver Mtukudzi shocked his legion of fans when out of character he performed at a Zanu PF-initiated, Vice President Joyce Mujuru's bash last week.

The ceremony was held at Harare's City Sports Centre and was attended by Zanu PF dignitaries and sympathisers who were celebrating Mujuru's appointment as Vice President.

Many of his fans have watched and listened in shock as one of his most popular songs, Totutuma, is used to back a Zanu PF election advert screened on television.

The show itself did not even go down well with Mtukudzi's manager, Debbie Metcalfe, who saw the singer's participation as business suicide.

Fumed Metcalfe: "I was not part of the organisation of that function. I am actually unhappy about it because it was without my consent. The issue of one of his songs being used for a political advert is actually news to me.

"Tuku's material can be used after we grant an agreement licence and I was never approached by either Zanu PF or ZBC. We are going to follow up on that one," she said before referring further questions to Mtukudzi.

Mtukudzi however denied that he was aligned to any political party.

"This was a show I did purely on the grounds that Amai Mujuru is my relative by virtue of us coming from Dande.

"I was celebrating the rise of a daughter from our clan. It had nothing to do with politics. I have relatives everywhere, in MDC and even in Zanu PF."

He said as a manager Debbie had a reason to be angry because she was looking at things from a business perspective .

"I am not partisan despite what people might think. My music is there to unite. People have to be united and be happy. My music is achieving that and evidence is there for all to see. I am not a political musician and it shall remain so."

Mtukudzi scoffed at suggestions that he performed for monetary gains.

"I couldn't believe when I was told by a good friend that Tuku was dishing out his music at a Zanu PF rally. Oh what a betrayal! I am cancelling my schedule to attend his shows here in England. How can such an icon dabble in party politics? I am going to dispose of all my Tuku CDs and get Kwachu-Kwachu by Josiah Chipanga. What a silly excuse to say he was doing it for his home girl, remember we are not all from Dande Mr Mtukudzi"

Former Tuku fan Mutsvene, Leicester

"To show that this (performance) was not money oriented, I was not even backed by my group because I would have failed to pay them as there was nothing I got from this," said Mtukudzi.

Debra Musana of Glenview said it was disheartening to see a man who for years has ostensibly resisted alignment to any political party now taking this route.

"I am afraid this has dampened the spirits of most of us Tuku fans. This is a man who has always stood by principle and refused to be swallowed by these politicians who have killed the future and talent of many musicians."

Lovemore Jera of Norton said: "If indeed this is an endorsement of the hate speech that the Makwavararas of this world were preaching at that function, then I must say we have lost a true African symbol of non-partisan music."

Lately, formerly idolised musicians like Simon Chimbetu, Plaxedes Wenyika, Andy Brown, Tambaoga, Sister Flame, Brian Mteki and a host of others saw their sales plummeting because of their association with Zanu PF.

Most people saw them as endorsing a government that was abusing power and basic human rights and boycotted their shows and albums.

On the other hand sungura star, Leonard Zhakata and militant chimurenga singer, Thomas Mapfumo experienced a major decline in the airplay of their music on the state controlled radio stations because their music was deemed politically incorrect - The Standard
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