PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe on Wednesday said “a vital shoot” of Oliver Mtukudzi’s “great musical tree stands broken, stumped and wilting” as the legendary singer buried his son, Sam, who died in a car crash on Monday.
Mugabe led tributes for the 22-year-old whose death united a nation and broke the hearts of millions of music fans around the world.
Politicians of all colour stood side-by-side on Wednesday as the saxophone prodigy was buried next to his friend and sound engineer, Owen Chimhare, who also died in the accident.
Chimhare, 24, was driving and Sam a passenger when their TATA pick-up truck struck the railings of a low bridge just outside the capital Harare on the road to Norton where they both lived. They died on the spot after suffering serious head injuries.
Sam’s mum, Daisy, broke down as she took some dirt from a shovel and sprinkled it on her son’s coffin. She was supported by husband, Oliver, who has spoken of his heartache at the loss of his only son.
Sam’s tearful siblings Selma, Sandra, Samantha and half-sister Faith followed their mother in the ritual.
A jazz band from Sam’s former school, Prince Edward, sang by his graveside as family, friends and fans fought back tears on a sun scorched afternoon.
Gospel star Pastor Charles Charamba read from the Bible and delivered a prayer before the simultaneous burial of the life-long friends who even in death would not be separated.
Grief stricken ... Daisy and Oliver Mtukudzi arrive for their son's burial
Thousands watched the burial proceedings at the Warren Hills Cemetery, among them Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, Information Minister Webster Shamu, TV chat show queen Mai Chisamba, ZIFA CEO Henrietta Rushwaya, Deputy Justice Minister Jessie Majome and musicians Charles Charamba and Sulumani Chimbetu.
In an overnight message to the Mtukudzi family, President Mugabe said: "For me personally, it has always been delightful to follow the musical career of the Mtukudzi family, a career which, through Sam and his sister Selma, appeared set to broaden and branch out in its graceful flourish.
"Alas this was not to be. Today, a vital shoot of that great musical tree stands broken, stumped and wilting.”
Mugabe said the pair’s death called on the nation to “take a moment to reflect and acknowledge the demanding role fulfilled by all artists — both living and departed — often with very limited means and prospects.”
He added: “They define the soul of our nation, inspiring it to greater personality and accomplishments.”
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who visited the Mtukudzi home in Norton along with the two Deputy Prime Ministers Khupe and Arthur Mutambara on Tuesday night, said: “Sam was taken at a time when we all felt that his creative intellect and artistic talent were both coming to their ripening."
Information Minister Shamu described the last few days as a “trying period” for not only the Chimhare and Mtukudzi families but the nation as a whole.
Pain ... Sam's tearful siblings arrive for their brother's final send-off
Send off ... Part of the crowd attending Sam Mtukudzi's burial on Wednesday
United ... Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, Deputy Prime Minister Thoko Khupe
and Deputy Justice Minister Jessie Majome at burial
Moving ... The Prince Edward Jazz Band sings as Sam Mtukudzi's coffin is lowered into the ground.
Sitting down in front row, far left, is gospel star Charles Charamba
Farewell ... Oliver Mtukudzi throws dirt on his son's coffin in an emotional scene
Loss ... Owen Chimhare's sister breaks down while holding her brother's portrait. Supporting
her is Jocelyn Chiwenga, wife of army chief General Constantine Chiwenga