Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

He seemed so casual - sitting on a bar stool behind the Tiny Desk, acoustic guitar in hand - but when you hear that husky voice, you'll know why he's a legend. Oliver Mtukudzi, or "Tuku" as his fans lovingly call him, plays spirited music, born from the soul of Zimbabwe. He's been recording since the late 1970s, with about as many albums as his age: 60.
But Mtukudzi's new record reveals a heavier heart than before: Sarawoga is his first recording since the loss of his son Sam. He and Sam - also a guitar player, as well as a saxophonist - had a special relationship touring together. But in March 2010, Sam Mtukudzi was killed in a car crash at the age of 21. Oliver Mtukudzi recently told NPR's Tell Me More that "the only way to console myself is to carry on doing what we loved doing most. Sitting down [to] cry and mourn - I think it would have killed me."
So here is the legend himself, with much to share in the odd intimacy of an office desk. A special moment. --BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Todii"
"Huroi"
"Haidyoreke"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Editor: Gabriella Garcia-Pardo; Audio Engineer: Suraya Mohamed; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Christopher Parks

[@ryanmangwaira1345]

being Zimbabwean and seeing this in 2024❤

[@marshamutisi8442]

Me too iwe! I had no idea Tuku was at the desk until today!!

[@Tatendamaisiri]

I'm shocked. RIP Legend 😢

[@chantellmasara8023]

Me too shaaaa

[@akhonaandrewsotuku4721]

I'm from SA but I would listen his songs all day long.

[@oscarmarumure762]

shame on us

[@ThabisaPenze]

SAns gather here this guy's music raised us

[@MoshimaMoroaswi]

❤❤❤am here

[@josephjacobmalete]

❤❤❤

[@Vicegpvdt]

He is indeed a living legend

[@MoshimaMoroaswi]

@@Vicegpvdt voetsek he is a dead legend su bambhana apha

[@Vicegpvdt]

​@@MoshimaMoroaswi😂😂😂 long lived Tuku thank you for making me aware

[@mslettiemathibe71]

To be born an African is the best privilege I have in this lifetime. To understand what a soul is. To come from the soil. To be black and radiant. What a blessing ❤ AMANDLA!!!!!!!!!! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@squirrelbutler2119]

I feel the same about being Irish. Brilliantly alive and radiant. Understanding what a soul is, and rising from the green fields of Ireland. The shade of my skin doesn't define me. You have your culture and heritage to celebrate, as do I. Great music has sprung from Ireland, just as it has from Africa and other places around the world. Enjoy it. This is wonderful music.

[@OrganicAlumination]

I'm jealous in a way I wish my last name was African from time to time but I was born in America. If not African indigenous

[@squirrelbutler2119]

@@OrganicAlumination Well, I think your last name is just fine as it is. "Alumination" is a strong and noble name. I believe it originates from the Swahili phrase "Bum Kubwa" Look it up on a translator. It perfectly fits you Be proud and embrace your bigness

[@JoyTalane]

As a South African, this man’s music raised me bruh 🥺

[@happym.4644]

If you're African, it actually did 😊💛

[@nkanyisoxaba5177]

Especially this Todi track 💪💪

[@dumacele6724]

u know the vibes when 'todi' come on kuKhozi FM

[@alexikaye]

Me too.

[@Winnerscircle2.0]

memories are stored in this music

[@C_Fit.B_Fit]

The Tiny Desk Concert I didn’t know I needed in 2024. As a SAn, African music is just something else. It hits the soul differently.

[@koolterpolskie785]

Watching in 2024 in Dubai originally from South Africa

[@tshiamomogodi]

wayaka joh

[@koolterpolskie785]

@@tshiamomogodi lerete la gago

[@abuti.homebody2135]

So grateful that this was recorded before his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace

[@nhlakaniphontombela3050]

Oliver passed away same day as beloved friend Jaunuary 2019 I hope they rest well. Great artist he was

[@benkobioho2965]

Buena esa el coro celestial y em general

[@selulekompisane5672]

The importance of documentation. A lot of Afrikan knowledge,heritage and legends pass on without being documented.

[@henryhaefker5687]

@@nhlakaniphontombela3050 äääääääuìzźühhzhhzźźhhhhha

[@TheRealLuqita]

We'll meet in the Kingdom to Come 🙏🏽 Our Lord will be the King and the light for every pure soul, the spirits of the sons of God

[@narendramunjal7916]

Hey I'm from India first time listening to African song ,I'm not able to understand the language but feeling it 😉 cool song love it

[@TonderayiKanoz]

Todi - The plight of one living with HIV/AIDS Huroi - "Kusatenda Huroi" (Not thanking is Evil). This is advising us to thank our women who do a lot for us as husbands, especially when we are ill. Haidyoreke - "Nguva Haidyoreke" means "you can not Retain Time". so let us not misuse time but utilize it to do good. Time belongs to God.

[@drpepperr]

Thank you.

[@timonkokalj5911]

Awesome, thank you indeed

[@guillermoosuna5612]

Tonderayi Kanoz no entiendobuna goma lo que decis che pero oliver es un genio

[@bootiedude]

Translate the song “Neria”

[@magnet215]

@@bootiedude He will be consoling one that has lost a husband. telling her to be strong

[@kashopatishikongo3110]

April 2024 and this is still such amazing pleasure to have experienced such a talent in my lifetime

[@nosiphogasa8667]

I’m so happy to have found this Tiny Desk in 2021 🇿🇦❤️❤️

[@tumisomogowane6226]

Me too sis me too

[@Vikamiy]

Tiny Desk is the WHOOOLEE universe ✨

[@mekim4406]

me too

[@jekanyika]

Same

[@madoccietheboi9977]

Me to my sister

[@SokoMatemai]

I am a Zimbabwean hip-hop artist who is an avid follower of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts and I only just discovered this today. The sense of pride in knowing that a Zim Music Legend, an icon, was on NPR!!! My heart is swelling with pride and joy!! I can't wait to do this also!! RIP to the Giant, Tuku!! 🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼

[@tumimokoena4404]

🙌

[@Blacma32]

Kananeni ndazofara kuona Legendary conscious musician representing our culture in a special way & NPR Tiny Desk is classic I’m saving this timeless segment

[@yemuraishure6378]

Kana nenio just found this The way I’m so proud I’m going to be rewatching this like a million times 😌

[@langadzino5150]

I'm shook. You can say thay again

[@amandahawker]

Soon come for you too

[@severtone263]

I don't know how I missed this. This gem has been on KZbin for 10 years already!!! RIP legend Tuku!

[@wandisamagudulela5828]

The algorithm has done it again. RIP to a legend🇿🇦🇿🇼

[@Primus_suspectus]

That drummer is a legend

[@raymsanii]

💯💯

[@OfficialJoeBaz]

Brother just killing it!

[@sandpikd2213]

He's amazing

[@wanisaichigwendere9138]

His name is Strovas Shadaya and he is not only a kind soul but a percussive beast!!!

[@Ton7Tube]

Love the chorus too!

[@omphemetsemoloto6575]

Catch me 2030 still watching this one 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@douglasmuteskwa4812]

am so proud to be zimbabwean

[@15jorada]

You should be, it is a beautiful thing.

[@VDMAUDU]

You really should be. Zimbabwe birthed an icon in Tuku. His music lives on.

[@mydrmz]

🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼🐘🐘🐘 same here 🖤

[@beastofrocktown9133]

I'm more proud to be African

[@bgknowable]

You should be!

[@BbBb-hw5pq]

Playing the Conga drums is my brother Strovers Shadaya one of the best Musicians in the world . Love from UK London .

[@Mteste101]

Wow!

[@blessingkumona-tz3tb]

Oh nice he is so good watching this 2024

[@rutendo1424]

What???? Tuku doing Tiny Desk before he passed is the best gift. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@daughterofsankofa]

Who's here 10 years later in 2024

[@OSADYEFO]

21 hr 16 06 2024 , am here

[@olebileolebile4847]

There’s a song he performs first and last at Rwanda jazz. Please check the video here, Kigali, and tell me the names if u know em

[@paulabucoomber1111]

Me ooh

[@frvnco55]

"One thing about music: when it hits you feel no pain"

[@andreareinhardt6834]

Quote by Bob Marley :)

[@trr7128]

By the great Robert Nesta Marley a.k.a Bob Marley.

[@telmagoncalves2651]

Conforto.

[@cc6691]

Yet the scars are forever 🙏

[@warrenjoseph76]

Unless you know the meaning of the lyrics…from what I’m reading it’s beautiful but quite sad

[@betherealdeal]

This beautiful sounds is coming from 4 people only. No fancy instruments

[@jkalmakoff]

Rest in Peace Tuku. Love from a Canadian in Nairobi

[@erickthepoet2406]

They call it Africa,I call it home😢❤.. This is where our hearts are glued.african music is home music

[@DanceswithHyenas]

Oliver "tuku" was not just an icon: he was a musical unicorn, an anomaly, a prolific maverick whose gift continues to give from beyond the grave. Tuku ayenda veduwe! RIP Samanyanga ....

[@honeybeeluminous136]

🙌🏾🎶🏆🙌🏾

[@VMusik]

Legendary

[@town944folk]

Nyararai henyu Samanyanga Inga ndimi mhukahuru wani

[@tannlightmedia]

Word 🔥

[@gcinumndenithedonmixologis850]

Proud to be African where the sounds of life come from and shocked he did tiny desk guys if u African hit the like button

[@JordanInaan]

I'm Kenyan, cant understand the language but somehow i can understand what he is singing. Powerful!

[@hiribae6807]

Thats the beauty of bantu languages. They're quite similar.

[@matayo5080]

As Africans, we don't need translations for what another African is doing. It is innate, we understand as though it was our next door neighbour doing it.

[@ginobatini6452]

I'm from Italy and I think the same thing... Exactly like you! Great!

[@nomadicsoul6144]

@@matayo5080 I'm South African. I only understand English and Afrikaans it somehow on a deep level I understand this

[@nomadicsoul6144]

The thing about African music it the power to soothe and awaken, to transcend and to excite. It's magical.

[@roelofvandermerwe1147]

Finding this in 2023... real tears that I missed out on this man earlier in my life. Writing from S.A. , thank you Oliver

[@RealNewDK]

I didn't know he did a tiny desk concert. This is amazing 😍 watching in 2020 🇦🇺🇰🇭🇿🇼

[@bontlemohlahlane5700]

Watching in 2021... What a legend...

[@tebogomametja1426]

am only finding it today - am so lost for words

[@ronaldncube7923]

🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️ bro

[@NortyByNecha]

How did I miss this show, ten years down line. Rest easy my number 1 Zim artist. Forever legend.

[@mayrac80]

I have no idea what he’s saying, but this music is so beautiful. Never really heard it before. I love it. Thank you NPR for bringing people together through awesome music!!!

[@betherealdeal]

Song is about the epidemic of AIDS Seeing a loved one slowly waste away kn I sing it will only end in death Another line is about a wife asking her man why he infected her Why some folks purposely infect others Just a sad song

[@aregaali3587]

Agree!

[@betherealdeal]

mayrac80 songs about aids Seeing loved one suffering and knowing it will end in death Wife lamenting to husband for being careless and infecting her

[@nomadicsoul6144]

@@betherealdeal It's haunting but beautifully so

[@angelmediadorentrenosotros7579]

...por vuestras obras, seréis juzjados; y nó hay obra, que no este compuesta por ideas; la psicología divina es la psicología que crea a los mundos; dirige las leyes del universo; la vida humana posee psicología individual; todos los que piensan, son de por sí filósofos y psicólogos; aunque no sepan discernirlos; la sienten y la viven; de verdad os digo, que si el Padre que creó los universos, posee libre albedrío, tal como lo poseéis vosotros, él escoge la forma, las características, los detalles, la psicología, la filosofía, la época y el lugar, de su divina Revelación; así como vosotros hacéis proyectos en la vida, así también lo hace el Padre; lo de arriba es igual a lo de abajo; muchos negaron la Revelación del Cordero de dios; sin tomarse el trabajo de averiguar, lo que negaban; de verdad os digo, que todo aquél que negó lo que pidió en el Reino, así también será negado, cuando sea llamado a su lugar de orígen; todos los que negaron, lo que es del Padre, ninguno entrará al Reino de los Cielos; es más fácil que entre al Reino, uno que investigó los Rollos del Cordero, a uno que nó investigó; el Padre Jehova premia el más mínimo esfuerzo y castiga la más mínima violación; los que negaron la Revelación en sus comienzos, la negaron sin conocimiento de causa; nó cumplieron con la divina enseñanza: el que busca encuentra;... ...aunque hay seres que sin pruebas materiales creen; todo el que creyó sin ver, entra al Reino de los Cielos; porque creyó venciendo dificultades; cumplió con lo prometido en el Reino; hizo esfuerzo de imaginación y ganó en fé; de verdad os digo, que todos prometísteis al Padre, cultivar la fé en la prueba de la vida; porque era vuestra prueba suprema; era vuestra lucha; la fé es universal; si vuestro Creador os creó, es porque tenía fé en vosotros; aún sabiendo que ibáis a caer; la fé mueve montañas fué escrito; porque si el Hijo Primogénito no hubiese tenido fé, vosotros nó le habríais conocido;... ...la Trinidad del Padre la comparte con todos; porque en todos está; y está en toda justicia y mérito; es por eso que los más cercanos en la Trinidad del Padre, son los colosales soles del universo; los soles primogénitos; he aquí la luz sobre la Trinidad; el universo infinito con el Padre Jehova a la cabeza; habiéndolo creado todo, delega poderes en todos; porque todo lo puede el Padre; a todos dá oportunidades por igual; los soles primogénitos, son los hijos mayores del Padre; los más antiguos después del Padre; lo del Padre nó tiene ni principio ni fín; más, sus creaciones tuvieron un principio; aunque sean de antiguidades aterradoras; porque exsisten hijos solares, que ni ellos mismos saben cuando fueron creados; todo principio salió del Padre; y retorna al Padre; vive por unos instantes en lejanos planetas; conoce otros tiempos relativos; y retorna al tiempo celeste del Padre; mientras más vidas se conocen, mayor es la jerarquía del hijo en su Trinidad; más grande es su gloria en el Reino de los Cielos; sólo el conocimiento es poder en el Reino; y todo conocimiento tuvo por guía las escrituras del Padre; porque toda morada planetaria posee sagradas escrituras; nadie es desheredado; todo conocimiento aprendido en los mundos, corresponde a la divina parábola: te ganarás el pan, con el sudor de tu frente;.- Alfa y Omega ORÍGEN DE LA PSICOLOGÍA EN LOS SERES PENSANTES; LA RAZÓN ES INVERSA AL DESARROLLO CIRCULAR DE LAS MOLÉCULAS DE LOS ELEMENTOS.- Y, El Tiempo ESTÁ CERCA, Por Lo Tanto No VAYAS EN POS DE ELLOS. LUCAS 21:8, El ANTICRISTO y El FALSO PROFETA y El ESPÍRITU de ERROR. 1 Juan capitulo 4. Mi Nombre Nuevo Apocalipse capitulos 3:12, 19:12, Alfa Omega Alian =Jehová El Altisimo El Todopoderoso Nuestro Divino y Amoroso Padre Eterno. JESUCRISTO =Mohammed Msto=Maestro=Cristo. LAODICEA =LATTAKIA SYRIA Colosences capitulo 2. El Anciano y La Señora Elegida y SUS HIJOS. 2 Juan capitulo 1. De La Humildad que es En Cristo. SI EL QUE BIENE.. 2 Corintios capitulo 11:4

[@goncalvesaquimo7240]

Rest in peace Oliver Mtukudzi, straight from Mozambique 🇲🇿

[@ai4nlp]

if all the people of the world subscribe to this channel and listen to world music, i guess there will be no more war all over the world ! god bless all musicians that each of them light a candle for peace and a more beautiful earth ! (Farrokh, Muslim, From Iran)

[@lucystone2352]

So optimistic! But I hope so much the same thing! Lets share this channel ... who knows ... getting the right mood

[@gudlukkay]

Extremely naive comment.

[@kitsoyaonephatudi1274]

Africa has lost a legend here... It had always been my dream to go to Cape Town Jazz Festival so that I could see Baba Hugh Masekela and Baba Oliver Mtukudzi doing what they do Live.. But life does what it does all the time. Take away Legends.

[@ukwezi]

Noooo!! Is Oliver Mtukudzi passed?

[@greenszambasa4611]

@@ukwezi Sadly he is. He passed on last year

[@ukwezi]

@greens zambasa...that is sad to learn

[@Olivia-bh7vs]

And then brings new ones 🙏

[@aregaali3587]

Grace Umuhire yes, sad

[@papimatlou1035]

So I only discovered now that Mr Tuku has a Tiny Desk performance recorded over 5 Years Ago, WOW. Rest in peace. LEGEND. 🇿🇦🇿🇼

[@Matsepem]

I'am from South Africa , I'am so proud of this performance by the greatest Oliver Mtukuzi from Zimbabwe

[@dwainlaing2238]

Never Heard Of This Obvious Great I'm in My kitchen in Birmingham England no Qlue what the songs are about but they feel so spiritual wow What a wonderful day to discover this Blessing

[@pm4594]

Been watching npr for a long time now and I never knew Mtukudzi was here. Then a day after his death I get a suggestion. Always loved his music.😢

[@SeunIdowu]

He's dead????

[@pm4594]

Yeah about a week ago

[@abigailn2168]

i had no idea too

[@teemumama123]

P M noooooo

[@princeofnilevalley6578]

I can't help but ask how? He didn't seem that old...

[@donkanis6141]

What a delightful group, those female vocals were the icing on the cake !!!

[@Ton7Tube]

Can we get credits?

[@simbam1927]

I now have respect for npr

[@aregaali3587]

NPR is great!

[@oloratomokate9568]

Omg why I'm I only noticing this now😭😭 I really wish I was there live coz I'd be flexing for real🇿🇦 definitely sharing this with my father❤️

[@joshrich5917]

I don't know how it took me 7 years to find this.

[@HotMedia247]

Just seeing this for the first today as well, who was hiding good music from us. I'm in love with the conga player.

[@stevechicco1158]

The drumming is quite impressive.

[@friesiamans1966]

+ steve - yep, africa is great... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ24pIiwmK2Cm9U edit: just watch, how everybody has his very personal style - love it! cheers from germany, haha... :-)

[@MrOneortwo]

Right !!

[@domchemoves]

he is soo dope

[@stephenr80]

TOTALLY,SOFT YET SO PERFRCT

[@raphaelmishael7045]

Konga... It's an Art here in Africa 🙂

[@generaljellyroll8737]

Mixcloud highlighted this guy and I clicked it, it was the best ride I ever had. It’s hard to move after the brain tumor and I found myself dancing for the first time since the surgeries, which I didn’t even know was possible

[@ziwewet]

Music is a healer and you made the right choice to listen to this. Hoping to a full recovery!

[@Ton7Tube]

Blessings!

[@zenseas]

May your country find the democracy in your honor. I just love your beautiful music.

[@aregaali3587]

Amen!

[@noahmkono1938]

The grandmaster of Southern African Traditional songs, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.

[@fmuniya]

A true Zimbabwean and African musical legend. I love that other people appreciate the talent. really didn't expect to see this on tiny desk. great job

[@kgalalelomaake8991]

Me2 I couldn't believe it

[@danielcolon2193]

I really needed this today, I feel a bit better now. I need this everyday.

[@lolo_z]

I can't believe he's gone. RIP legend. Love from South Africa

[@evem620]

RIP

[@guivitepatriciocampira7750]

jakama

[@Kubwayo10]

He is not gone he lives in you and it's up to you how you keep him alive.

[@sarafina03]

I feel like I wouldn't be able to keep shakers going so smoothly and consistently like that for so long without becoming spontaneously uncoordinated. My brain would sabotage me.

[@mattpickering5250]

A face that shows decades of hardship and happiness, Tuku is truly poetic.

[@jacquelinemudzamiri7018]

Summary of the second song: Being ungrateful to those who stand by u in your time of need is the highest level of witchcraft.

[@LESLIE5038]

Thank you🖤💚♥️

[@kisswriters]

Black American here, from Chicago ... thank you for explaining

[@CHRISTChrysalisInManhaim]

@@kisswriters right I was so curious, and I agree, we should appreciate each other more, I've been learning to forgive ppl who hurt me and love them anyway... Hate hurts the soul...I want to be free in my life 💕 🕊️ I'

[@town944folk]

Well done Jacqueline Mudzamiri. It's not easy to translate Shona especially in its idiomatic form and convey the essence of the message into English. You managed to do that splendidly in this instance

[@INDIANDRUMS98]

I just close my eyes , take a deep breath and listen and I'm transported to another world: a world of peace and harmony.

[@daughterofthemosthigh..7587]

David Herring chookwadii

[@joyferg5791]

🎶💙

[@aregaali3587]

Amen! Beautiful harmony !

[@shabirvalli8604]

Which world is that,I wonder?🤔 I want to go there with you!🙏

[@ericrobinson7184]

I can't get through the first song...its so beautiful!

[@sphumessanctum7050]

The music we grew up listening to is so rarely ever represented in our country these days. This LITERALLY brought me to my tears 😭😭😭. My late gran and I used to sing along to his music, now whenever "Senzeni" plays my mom and I just look at eachother and both try our hardest not to cry. THANK YOU NPR ❤️❤️❤️

[@DovidSal]

Your people is simply wonderful; may I could speak a few words in any of your ethnic languages. Just to express my gratitude because of your kindness, colorful, beautiful, heart full and genuine gestures.

[@ayanda1271]

❤ we are passing by ❤

[@Sanazy21]

Can you tell me a little of what they are saying

[@VMusik]

Tuku

[@muzaarnold]

wow, I didn't know Baba played on NPR. I'm speechless. Sad I never got to see him live! Rest well and Thank you for sharing good music with us!

[@NanaN495]

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@ligialewis2182]

Turku is an amazing performer . This music touched my soul . I'm an old "white" guy , ostensibly , and I was raised in a white culture . Somehow I married a beautiful Dominican girl 45 years ago and have four beautiful Dominican-American , black children . I feel that somehow my ancestors must have been born in Zimbabwe because I feel Tuku's singing in my soul . I don't literally understand what he's singing , but somehow I understand . This is so inspiring and beautiful . Keep on keepin' on, Oliver "Tuku" . God's blessings on you and the rest of the group , who rock ! George Lewis, Sr.

[@oliveoil3917]

r.i.p to a legend brother

[@saritakoeberg]

RIP TUKU. Your music will live on LEGEND!!

[@evem620]

Sadly he has passed

[@DovidSal]

Because of the time when you got married , You have had the blessing of having one of the most precious Caribbean women, Dominican.

[@vuyanimas3845]

Souls don't use words to speak. Energy & vibrations

[@obakengkokwe4242]

Wow! Never knew the legendary Tuku had been on NPR, a firm favorite performer here in Botswana.

[@hachibidemon]

RIP Tuku I had the opportunity of watching and hearing him live twice. He was simply a magician, dancer and awesome performer. The first time I saw this episode I felt very proud of watching his performances and of being an African. And then Yesterday I hear about him passing away. I hope we Africans and human around the world pass his legacy to more and more generations to come. Tuku shall live forever

[@MsLiboma]

Robb Lucas Fernando also was blessed to see Tuku live a couple of times 🙏 bless this man and his musicians RIP

[@botlhalemaredi9164]

I've never been so happy in my life than to find this NPR concert. This man was iconic in South Africa. Weddings fill with the tapping of feet because of Todii. I wish he played Neria for this crowd. They would've lived with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of that song, even though no one would know what he said

[@SarahM-vj2ou]

Wow!!! The ladies are so beautiful

[@aregaali3587]

Yes, they are and beautiful voices too! Bless them!

[@nomadicsoul6144]

Oh they are right.?

[@MsLiboma]

They are sisters , Oliver’s daughters

[@danielmajani9255]

I've literally watched countless Tiny Desk concerts but I'm only seeing the Legend now,continue resting in peace sir

[@heyandile]

Bravo!!! He sang in three of Zimbabwe's official languages: Ndebele, Shona, and English. edit: changed "all three" to "three of"

[@zwilakhewilliams4807]

I actually never realized until you mentioned it. This was and still is a giant.

[@nigel5634]

There’s 16 official languages in Zimbabwe. Those three are just the most widely spoken.

[@heyandile]

@@nigel5634 true!

[@kadamawe1able]

English is from Britain..nOt a Zimbabwe language

[@heyandile]

@@kadamawe1able True that English is from England, however English IS one of Zimbabwe's official languages.

[@dymandvevo4166]

Watching this in 2024, Tuku our Legend MHSRIP😊

[@goolobjammin]

We saw you in New Mexico about 10 years ago. We drove 6 hours to see you play and my son was maybe 11 at the time. Your music is so lovely and transcendent. I am so sad for the loss of your son. Mine is 22 now and writes music, I remember him dancing that night to your music. All the best to you and healing to your heart. Tracy lind

[@gamumujajati2609]

I'm 7 years late, this is beautiful🥺😭

[@Nathan29lincoln]

His face and spirit remind me of my grandpa. I still love him and miss him regardless he passed away 20 years ago.

[@betherealdeal]

Those ladies are stunning They can sing They have rhythm They are musicians Try singing and shaking those things while keeping the beat

[@deolaw23]

I'm Nigerian and I love what I am listening to here

[@nicozulu5746]

So sad to find out he’s no longer with us! May he rest in power through all time. Thank you for your legacy of light baba

[@digitalkillaz]

can't stop watching this... i love that moment at the start where they sit in silence...

[@FactChitanda]

The greatest Zimbabwean artiste!

[@cd1788]

Can't believe I'm only finding this now. I grew up on this music.

[@malvinchadzamira7197]

Lucky you just discovered this video

[@gcobisamahlulo4989]

Saw Tuku live in my hometown East London, Buyelekhaya. I'm so glad I didn't miss that show. RIP tata.

[@neurofire]

All music grew out of Africa. Jazz is considered a unique American art form - but listening to Tuku you just know that cannot be true. Sure Americans/Brazilians/Europeans contributed to the growth of jazz but the foundations were already in place.Tiny Desk Concerts nailed it - again.

[@lindysibanyoni1333]

As a south african 🇿🇦I grew up with Oliver's music. I was lucky to have seen him live. RIP Oliver 🇿🇼 . African music connects us all, so happy I found this vid.

[@erica01161978]

i dont know what hes saying but i dont care.....love it!

[@kudakwashemuzoriwa2748]

He is singing of the issues surrounding getting raped by someone HIV positive and conceiving an HIV positive pregnancy.

[@CHEVCHEV-yk8rv]

Asante Sana!!!

[@iprofessionalamateur]

Feel it. That's how it's meant to be enjoyed.

[@albertisaac5279]

Adding to that: it pains to live whilst u re holding yr life tht any time you gonna die so wht shall will do abt it.

[@mandlamadlela1959]

Wooow

[@neobafana6043]

Only seeing this now in 2024 wow. Long live Oliver

[@phakamantsangani8214]

Representing Africa, one of the best, authentic and well-seasoned performers. Tata Oliver Mtukudzi deserves to be at Music Tiny Desk Concert!!!

[@ndumisonkomo9862]

Thank you Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 for the gift of everlasting music 🎼🎼🎼🎼😍. From your neighbors in South Africa 🇿🇦 and the entire continent

[@valentinaserna7242]

That made my day , so happy and positive , although I don't understand !!

[@mauricemutua869]

Striking wires without struggling, music ran in his blood. I remember he came to Kenya in 2010 and when the journalist asked what he had come to do in Nairobi he said, 'am at home'. Oliver was true African legend, may he continue resting in peace.

[@albertzinyamachigumbura1123]

this guy is dangerously awesome

[@mwangu6038]

Can't believe I'm only seeing this today💕...RIP TUKU🇿🇼

[@WilliamJohnsonmusic]

Wow. This music touches my heart.

[@tungamiraimhako2853]

Proud to see our very own legend on a major platform like this....

[@leratomareletse]

Ncaaa!! This made my heart smile. RIP to the legend.

[@OnsateNyakundi]

🎉🎉🎉🎉what a voice from this man 😥😥😥😥🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪💪💪💪

[@senzodigala3956]

Todii is by far the most amazing song i've ever had an experience/previllage of lending an ear to, marvelous piece of work, each time i listen to it i become emotional....

[@hedenblazing5032]

Same here

[@naomiii9788]

@@hedenblazing5032same here . Blessings to y’all

[@bluesriot2]

music is such a universal language, I love it when I hear someone sing in a tongue I don't underdtand, yet the feeling is so evocative that it doesn't matter, the beauty shines thru, there are no barriers and no walls...

[@wynter7226]

I grew up listening to Oliver Mtukudzi and a few years ago my family computer crashed, erasing all my cherished music and i could not find any of his cd's we had. I am so glad i found him again! This song brings back so many memories:)

[@ernestinedeanemusictv4398]

Southern Africa. My heart, my home. So blessed to have shared a stage with this legend. We miss you dear soul.

[@anesuchiremba4810]

A legend 😄. So glad I found this on Tiny Desk

[@ekumtambeable]

Saw this great musician in Minneapolis, MN. What a night. Will never forget. Everyone was on their feet. Thanks 🙏

[@kgomotsokolokoto5992]

This man is such Royalty,may his spirit forever live!

[@rogers97]

Honestly, why would someone give a thumbs down to this video...humankind!

[@instigatorc]

The rhythms and poly-rhythms and the depth of this music spoke to my soul. No words just magic in its purest form! Thank you Tiny desk👏🏽

[@aregaali3587]

Amen!

[@telmagoncalves2651]

Concordo

[@wanna-pexperience8373]

Grow up to this in Mozambique A pleasure it got to play on tiny desk

[@TapsieTechKid]

Seeing this in 2024. Legend

[@netoringuissai4584]

Who listening in mode Quarentene? If is you put your like. Directly from Mozambique🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿💕👍😂😭

[@simphiwemtengwane2416]

'Todii' takes me back to my childhood, nothing but pleasant memories when this song was playing. RIP Tuku the Legend.