TRIBUTE must be paid to artistes while they live, superstar Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi said last week thanking fellow artistes and organisers of the concert to celebrate his life in the music industry.

Speaking during a dinner in Harare, held in honour of his monumental works in the arts industry, Tuku said the celebration of artistes while they live should continue and not be a one-off event.
“We should keep on the culture of appreciating a person’ while they are still alive rather than talking good when one passes on,” he said.
Tuku is one of the few artistes in the country who has not only captured an audience in all the age groups and different strata of society but has also achieved international acclaim.
Offering timeless music that deals with various social issues, the musician has managed to remain relevant in a career spanning over three decades.
Commenting on what has made him an artiste of distinction, Tuku emphasised the need for Africans to maintain their identity in their works.
Humility, he said, remained the greatest quality that will ensure success.
“What we do as artistes is very important hence we must complement and avoid underestimating each other,” he said.
Prolific South African Jazz musician Hugh Masekela described the lanky artiste as the epitome of patience and love while Sulumani Chimbetu saw not just an icon and legend but an ‘endangered’ species and a father-figure to all upcoming artistes.
The concert to celebrate the supremely talented musician lived up to its billing with the artiste showing his prowess through collaborations with artistes from various genres.
Though the attendance was affected by high gate charges, those that were able to be part of the extravaganza, got value for money.
Both international and local artistes shared the stage with Tuku delivering flawless acts befitting the stature of the life they were celebrating.
With 61 albums to his name, Tuku has literally performed everywhere in the world with artistes of different genres of music.
Performances by Steve ‘Dhongi’ Makoni and Stella Chiweshe rekindled old memories sending the old in the crowd into nostalgia.
It was all screams and whistles as Steve ‘Dhongi’ joined Tuku on the hilarious track “Handiende”.
Mbuya Stella Chiweshe was also in scintillating form joining Samanyanga to perform “Hozana” and sending fans into delirium.
The frenzy and ecstasy was not only experienced by the crowd but the artistes themselves could not contain themselves as they sang Tuku tracks.
African stars such as Stewert Sukuma from Mozambique proved their appreciation of Tuku Music by singing along both in Shona and Portuguese.
Bra Hugh Masekela alongside Tuku was a marvel to watch and the two showed why they are icons in the music industry.
Performing songs such as “Tapera”, “Murume Mukuru” and “Todii” with fists raised the two proved why they are considered legends.
In her high-heeled shoes Judith Sephuma and Tuku performed “Muhupenyu” to the delight and satisfaction of the audience.
When former Black Spirits members took to the stage to revive old memories with Tuku, revellers screamed for Piki Kasamba, the man might be in retirement but he is still loved.
Former Black Spirits members include Mono Mukundu and Dudu Manhenga, among others.
Mukudzei Mukombe better known as Jah Prayzah did not disappoint alongside the superstar as they superbly belted out and energetically danced and sang “Chengetai Amai Nababa”.
Icing on the cake was Sungura giant Alick Macheso’s remix of “HwendeMambo” and Tuku doing the famous slow-motion dance.
The tribute concert was also graced by Berita Khumalo, Alexio Kawara, Tehn Diamond, Jean Masters, Munya Mataruse and Amara Brown.