"Hoo todini? (Senzeni?)

What shall we do? (Tingadii?)

Senzenjani? (What shall we do?)" - lyrics from Oliver Mtukudzi's Todii, a song about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa

My rides to school comprised the melodies of the great Oliver Mtukudzi. My mother had all his radio cassettes (yes, I am that old) and never made a mistake when it came to that. I was an eight-year-old who sang this genius's songs word for word, and I barely understood the weight those songs carried. Our parents raised us to become little versions of themselves because his music became a part of my life. Allow me to walk you into the beauty behind Oliver Mtukudzi's music.

Mtukudzi, popularly known as "Tuku," was born and raised in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe. Highfield is a culturally vibrant environment which exposed him to diverse traditional sounds. I imagine that the time he took immersing himself in Zimbabwean music and rhythms weaved him into the artist he was. 

At 16, Mtukudzi began his musical career by teaching himself to play the guitar. Today, we remember him for his signature acoustic guitar playing. He also learnt how to play the mbira, a traditional thumb piano. 

His dedication to music landed him in local bands. One of those bands was Wagon Wheels, the pioneers of Chimurenga music. The band housed legends such as Thomas Mapfumo and James Chimombe. It was then that his star shined the brightest. 

In 1978, Mtukudzi left Wagon Wheels to form The Black Spirits, and he never looked back. Mtukudzi and The Black Spirits used their music as a vessel to address societal issues, advocate for social change, and celebrate African identity and culture. Their discography over the decades touches on themes such as love, HIV/AIDS awareness, the importance of family, and unity. Mtukudzi's ability to weave melodies and convey profound messages made his music entertaining and deeply impactful. 

One of my favourite (they all are) songs is Hatidi Hondo (Ngoromera), which translates to "We Don't Want War." The lyrics to this song are as follows: 

"Ngoromera ingoromera, harina zvarinoshanda, haringabatsire" (The drum of war is just a drum, it has no purpose, it cannot help).

"Zuva nezuva haritonge matare ngoromera" (The drum of war never brings sunshine).

"Hatidi hondo" (We don't want war).

"Mhirizhonga hatiidi" (We don't want violence).

"Ngatiwirirane" (Let us be united).

"Kutaurirana" (Let us talk to each other).

This song resonated with the older generations. Unfortunately, decades later, we can still relate. We have spammed the internet with hashtags to stop wars in multiple corners of the world. And for Mtukudzi fans like me, we also sit back and play his music to soothe our troubled souls. 

He gifted us with timeless music that has graced homes around the globe. When I landed in South Africa, I lied to myself that every radio that releases Zimbabwean sounds belongs to a Zimbabwean. Imagine my shock one Sunday morning when a South African housemate shook the household with some Oliver Mtukudzi. 

Later that day, we talked about Mtukudzi's music over drinks. Nkosi* said something that reminded me of the power Mtukudzi's music carried. He said, 'I do not understand everything he says, but I fell in love with his music the moment I discovered it. When I play his music, it feels like I am in touch with my roots and ancestors.' If that is not an impact, I do not know what is. 

Whilst many remember Mtukudzi for his humility, wisdom, and dedication to community development, I remember him for the musical experience he continues to give me even in his passing. Through his music, I have grieved, accepted the world's cruelty and expressed love. I remember him for being authentically Zimbabwean and showing multitudes of people across the globe the beauty of our culture and identity. 

I remember that even as he crafted his music, he never seized to me human and questioned life and its complexities.

In his song, Seiko Mwari(God Why), he sings:

"Ndine mubvunzo mumwe chete Mwari undiudze" (Lord, I only have one question)

"Ndoda kuti undiudze pandimire chaipo" (Please, tell me where I stand)

"Saka ndati seiko" (So I am asking why?)

Seiko (Why)

It wasn't just music for Mtukudzi. He was a dedicated philanthropist and human rights activist. He founded the Pakare Paye Arts Centre, a non-profit organization that provides education and training in the arts for young people. Mtukudzi was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa, where he worked to promote children's rights. His contributions to the arts and society did not go unseen. The government awarded him the "Order of the Star of Africa" for this reason.

January 23, 2019, remains a say day for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world. My grief, however, is riddled with joy because I believe he lived his purpose. He healed his share of the world through every strum and lyric.

If you have never experienced Oliver Mtukudzi, then start right here. 

#Afrofuture23 #AMAKACulture