Oliver Mtukudzi, a legendary Zimbabwean jazz musician, has Wednesday afternoon passed on, at the age of 66 from a hospital in Zimbabwe’s Capital, Harare.
News of his death was broken by a tweet from Zimbabwean local publication Masvingo Mirror.
According to the tweet, the publication said it had it “on good authority that he [Mtukudzi] died two hours ago in the ICE at Avenues Clinic in Harare”.
The singer’s record label, Gallo Record Company, also confirmed his death, saying his death quoting a reliable family member.
It is reported that Mtukudzi has been struggling with his health for over a month, but no official statement has been released yet by the family and the cause of Mtukudzi’s death remains unknown.
Born on September 22, 1952, Mtukudzi recorded several award winning songs which include Ninipa, Izere Mhepo, Pindirai, Menzva Kudzimba, Hazvireve, Hope, Tiregerereiwo, Handiro Dambudziko, Tiri Mubindu, Dzokai. In Uganda and several other countries, it was his song ‘Todii’ that became most popular.
Besides being a musician, Mtukudzi was also a businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.