Oliver Mtukudzi - (Norton, Zimbabwe) at VOA in Washington, DC

Oliver Mtukudzi talks with me about his composition and creative process, his 61st album "Sarawoga" and its inspiration, his vocal practice, guitar technique and its relationship to the mbira, the impact of the loss of his son Sam in 2010, and much more. He performs several songs off of Sarawoga: "Matitsika"; "Huroi" (The Woman we Share), and a finale.

[@poluvocalcoach]

Who is here 2024❤

[@MarshalNdlovu-sl6zb]

Here with ue

[@PatrickChaniwa]

Late Oliver mutukudzi I love his music

[@dreadlocksandhaircuts8894]

if you are listening in 2050 know i was here 40 years ago

[@victorgovo177]

Am collecting likes for the late icon

[@dinizulumasuku2324]

Oliver was an all rounder, his voice is so distinct & powerful, he could play the acoustic guitar like nobody else. He wrote songs with amazing meanings. He could dance & perform & leave you stunned. He had a humble, lovable, inspirational & humorous personality. What an amazing artist & personality. Tuku was an absolute pleasure and a Blessed Legend!

[@PatrickChaniwa]

I love the part when you say with amazing meaning yeah of course the man was always giving strong messages and tips

[@dariosmadhighi3317]

Who is here in 2020 lockdown listening to the legend

[@edmondmachokoto1697]

I'm here🖐

[@SunSun-dx6mt]

From Nigeria, this man is extraordinary

[@jblck3148]

me

[@maxlanfranconi2176]

switzerland present

[@jesmielmanyanga8784]

tiripo

[@PhilipoMwangale]

Oliver was a great Philosopher. He spoke through music. I doubt that anyone ever interviewed Tuku enough.

[@davidbabu1]

He’s not from zimbabwe.He’s from Africa.A reflection of the continent to the world ♥️

[@cheranganyhills6619]

Yeah, true babu, he's ours, Africa

[@SPD-ZIM]

Ok

[@tambumoonga-zonge3833]

Q11¹¹¹¹😮❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@wilfredkimutai7071]

Sure

[@johnmutahi4999]

He sounds Kenyan, yes Africa

[@kennedytapiwa1351]

2021 we are here remembering a LEGEND,,,, Your music lives✊

[@nyanya2924]

True

[@jacquelinecunningham363]

Rest in Peace son of Africa your music was loved even to those that didnt understand the language. Legend never dies

[@mosaic_fit]

Matitsika reveals how the conservative African society embraces everyone. He welcomes invited guests, as an MC, and also welcomes those that just popped up without invitation. You gate crush into a party, you don't get kicked away but given a chair and food...

[@ThrottleBody]

As a zimbabwean born and raised in London, England, I grew up on tuku in the house, driving in my parents’ car, and on Spotify as a grown man. Thank you, Oliver

[@mauricechidawanyika]

Lovely stuff

[@mosesnhachi7948]

Zimbabweans made him a super star, Africans made him a legend. A wealth of tradition, folklore and social commentary fused with years of interactive entertainment

[@zhingalo]

This man is one of a kind, they will never ever be another one like him! What a great loss! RIP Mhukahuru ❤️

[@loverboigwengenock6344]

R.I.P OUR LEGEND...MAY YO SOUL CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE

[@petem.4787]

Didn't know Zimbabwe had such powerful cultural icon. He should be better known the likes of the late TPOk Jazz,great Franco...bravo

[@championsoffering]

The African Ambassador of greatness and inspiration

[@masteroyen]

Wow...0% auto tune...100% talented & gifted. Amazing! Live performance is as beautiful as the studio recording even better. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE

[@generalaukhumeb3388]

It's not the instrument that is connected to the spirits, it's the music from the instrument. Man this man was a great photographer. Respect from Namibia 🇳🇦 🇳🇦 🇳🇦 🇳🇦

[@johnmambambo187]

This was a beautiful interview for our legend, Tuku. The composure of the interviewer tallied with the soothing effect of Tuku's music. In 2024, and from all corners of the world, we are still here, to hear, listen to and to enjoy this music (10 years later). Tuku will NEVER die - his voice is still alive.

[@losper5291]

In tears while am watching you playing this guitar Papa Oliver ..Wow you gone for real?..May you soul RIP Papa ,i know and i believe that you sitting on the right hand side of God....You were my inspiration and you will forever be my number 1 musician in the world..

[@tawandahatugari3224]

I will never grow tired of listening to the legend. Music doesn't get better than this. Will be missed forever

[@zimplanetearthsighting3656]

To those who would like a layman's translation to the song he plays at 18:13 Huroyi ( Witchcraft) -Huroyi (it's literally witchcraft) -Huroyi masikati machena (it's literally practicing witchcraft broad day light) -Pandehwara haarare, ndee paanendiremekedza (when I am sick, she finds no sleep, infact its actually when I earn all her respect) -Kungohwara haarare (just go a little sick, i earn all her respect) -Saka kusatenda huroyi (therefore not being greatfull is surely being a witch) -Kusatenda huroyi (being ungrateful is just being a witch) x 3 [Acoustic Guitar Instrument] Tarara nenzara ndee paanendiremekedza(that time when we sleep with empty bellies, its when she actually respects me) -Kusvika kumba handina chekubata ini, ndee paane ndiremekedza (I get home empty handed and that's when she actually respects me) -Saka kusatenda huroyi (Why I said being ungrateful is all the same as being a witch) Kusatenda huroyi (being ungrateful is being a witch) x 2 [Acoustic Guitar Instrument] -Huroyi (It's witchcraft) -Huroyi masikati machena (it's witchcraft broad day light) -Pandehwara haarare, ndee paanendiremekedza (when I am sick, she finds no sleep, infact it's actually when I earn all her respect) x 2 By the way Mtukudzi oftenly sang his songs in a Shona dialect known as "Chikorekore" Hope it helps 😊

[@MuseveTV]

💕

[@olebileolebile4847]

Thanks for the translation. Even if you don't translate word to word, I'd like to know what these songs mean 1. Muchututa 2. Ndinecha 3. Masimba mashoma

[@Iamjustkiddings]

@@olebileolebile4847 Ndinecha (I'm scared to say a long prayer) is a prayer. He basically saying I have nothing much to say, Lord. I don't wanna sing a long prayer, lest I end up lecturing or preaching to you. Just bless those who bless me. Bless and protect a lot of those who cheer me up when I do my work, I can not thank them enough. Please bless them. Those who pray for me everywhere I go and those who protect me from my enemies getting to me, protect them. Not forgetting my enemies who denigrate me, please bless and protect them. Muchatuta is a name (Muchatuta Katsande): This song follows the Neria drama which aired in the 1990s in which Tuku acted as Neria's brother. Muchatuta Katsande was the brother-in-law to Neria in the drama who wanted to inherit Neria's husband when he died but Neria refused. In the Shona culture, you literally inherit everything (wife, wealth, property..etc). The song rebukes Muchatuta saying, behold, our daughter has refused the inheritance marriage. You wanted to get everything that you didn't work for on a silver platter through inheritance. You say, your belongings are yours but mine belongs to us. Neria says in the song 'Don't follow me, I have a life to live, my husband and I worked very hard for everything that you're jealous and covetous about. Masimba mashoma (limited powers) He is saying you have no control when you've got no ownership. Look even a given cow, you milk it while checking the road. Look at the one living on a borrowed thing, you see him eating and checking around.

[@olebileolebile4847]

@@Iamjustkiddings thanks a lot for the translation. I really have no words to express my gratitude. With no doubt Tuku was a legend. I am inspired by their meaning. The guy had brains and was super talented. Let me go listen to them👌👌😅

[@ronnychidyagwai2661]

​@@Iamjustkiddings🙌 I give thanks for translating the songs you really did them justice am a happy man

[@user-st8ne8zw8l]

What a legend this man is...what a pleasure listening to him do him always!

[@greymavhondo9359]

bruh he can do everything on his own, take a bow. you have my respect

[@macdonaldmolokomme8701]

Oliver was actually the son of South African soil. We loved so much!

[@allvaro.b.miranda3598]

Uma Voz inconfundível q ficará para sempre. "Simplesmente espectacular..." R. I. P Oliver🙏

[@chefalex1576]

rest in peace Dr Oliver Mtukudzi. you will forever be missed

[@daintyflygirl4va]

😭😭😭😭

[@daintyflygirl4va]

I cnt believe this sad news..Im glad i came across him..When he sang with jose..I fell in love with his voice and started dwnloading his his songs..His voice is healing to my soul..Rest In Peace Legend😭😭😭 Sending love across the ocean, all the way frm Pacific Islands(Png)

[@tsephomzungu8336]

Real legend

[@razminasaiyedsaiyed9864]

legend

[@baniauxlinley8025]

R.I..P...Oliver love your music,much love from Mauritius

[@nacarreira777]

What a lovely, talented man.

[@MusicTimeAfrica]

He is! Very interesting too!

[@rehemaathumani3071]

Exactly

[@kahumbasylvanus1344]

He is lovely

[@hermenegildomapsanganhe2073]

Moçambique 🇲🇿 adora este homem e seus encantos

[@DaniloJoaquimBaltazarBal-vp8xr]

Tamo juntos mano🇲🇿

[@honourablesirb3256]

Those are our elders,,,thank you for your good leadership Mr Mtukudzi. We are learning something good on you...

[@NubiaDinkaNuer]

Whenever I hear this song I feel emotional though I don't understand the lyrics. I mean the first song. Greetings from Ghana 🇬🇭

[@philliphukuimwe460]

Not being thankfully is like being a which. She is the one who takes care for me. If I am sick she takes care of me. If I bring nothing back home she shows love am take care

[@jadachris81]

Africa lost a legend. Rest in peace Tuku! I love your truly African voice.

[@oswin6891]

That voice... captivating... and the 🎸 just magic! RIP 🙏 Tuku

[@tbm2790]

That smile at the 1:53 mark, priceless 😊!!! May his soul rest in peace ...your music lives and inspires us all, job well done Baba!

[@fanofjets]

Tuku is such an inspiration - both as an artist and as a man who has lived his life well. This is a wonderful presentation.

[@emmanuelthilli2013]

2023 and still here, listening 🎶 Tuku forever!!!

[@mashudusirwali9729]

Still in love with his voice 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@DestinyofAfricaProduction]

This man deserve a huge respect all over the world! I love u mudara wangu... Ma one.

[@azaniabantu]

Uno muda chaiye

[@DestinyofAfricaProduction]

vote ubisi 😂

[@DestinyofAfricaProduction]

vote ubisi Ayiwa...

[@azaniabantu]

@@DestinyofAfricaProduction unobva kupi komusha shamwari

[@DestinyofAfricaProduction]

vote ubisi DRC ndo kumusha mfese but, ndino gara madje apa ku Australia 🇦🇺

[@tendaimuza2558]

RIP, such an iconic figure on our continent, the way he played the guitar was so magical

[@MusicTimeAfrica]

Yes, for sure!

[@Tiptack]

2022 Here honouring a Musical Legend not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa 🙌💫

[@Chikwekwete]

I love Oliver Mtukudzi. One of the best ever Zimbabwean musician ever produced in the country

[@maponga01]

THE BEST

[@giftwilsony8006]

It's 2023 and I am still watching this African legend

[@eyobgebrmariam7430]

Thit is the reason God gives us a music to communicate whithout any word knowrn each other.I am from ethiopia,i fo not know what he say and i do not have any word to say something just only i have some feeling share with him.

[@Tasangana]

True

[@janesekeso2601]

RIP our Legend your music speaks to us and helps us to cope during trials and tribulations

[@olaoluoretade2121]

I was introduced to this great man's music exactly 10 years ago and been hooked on him for years now. I don't speak his language but I thoroughly enjoy his music to bits. Shame that he is now dead. May his music continue to live long

[@solomonzuze6599]

When l miss home l listen to this guy , loving the little twists in the live performances which you don't get in the refined studio versions of the his songs. Its sad he is resting now but he has left his mark in the music industry

[@chrischisoni2195]

An irreplaceable man, continue resting in power.

[@yusufkaweesa7390]

the guitar he plays is magical. Big up Oliver.

[@Isidhulesafaris]

Indeed a legend. Tuku was really a talented musician,Watching from United States, 2020

[@tinotendatimosi5875]

OUR LEGEND !!! FULL OF WISDOM... R.I.P

[@MusicTimeAfrica]

yes.

[@Tiger-km9vn]

Greatest man ever lived..... It's unfortunate l didn't get a chance to attend one of his shows ..... Gone but not forgotten....

[@bmonck5110]

What a mismatch of class and authenticity between him and her! He was a gem 💎

[@tash-tae]

My greatest musician of all time. Continue to rest in Peace legend. Your music can heal, inspires, teaches and all. You left the legacy. Your voice was and is remarkable

[@evansmakori9]

Who is hear listening to this departed legend. May his soul rest in peace though he left us his voice.

[@victoramamoo9960]

I love this man and his voice

[@healingwithin2367]

I love this man! He is my by far my absolute favorite artist from the mother Africa. When I hear his music my spirit immediate connects back home to Africa! He is an inspiration and his music will live forever in our hearts! Great interview, thanks Heather!

[@martinamukanya1200]

Thank you so much,the man is gone and im hoping you got to see how his life was celebrated the world over .Hope you watched or you will watch his funeral. Head bowed

[@user-bm4xh5lx1l]

Kune chinonzi chemhuri, vana vanoenda Kure ndevaya vanottevera chiratidzo chabambo vavo

[@gwakapia]

TUKU music HEALS my SOUL...

[@mikeaman2008]

I'm here to spend the evening Tuku. Thankyou for the music... __ RIP.

[@kahumbasylvanus1344]

I wish understood the language... soo sad of me. All the love from Namibia...

[@andrewtamara6108]

BEST ZIM ARTIST EVER

[@UYD6J]

Thanks Heather for hosting this wonderful musician and posting this video. You made my day.

[@josephtvshow7467]

I lost one of talented African icon I love his song which go's by the name todii I'm watching from Mombasa Kenya.

[@tendaimashingaidze7823]

Maihweee zvangu so heartbroken all over again watching and hearing your voice the goodbye song left me teary...rest in peace our legend...so sad

[@Subdue11091D]

Pure Legend. The touch on that guitar is like on other!

[@victorukaegbu4826]

Kutu, your songs gave me hope when I lost my son 3yrs ago. I love the passion with which you render your music. You are greatly missed.

[@omondienos1548]

Wow wow Africa ...You are great!

[@edyroby2610]

Hey guy, who is here this 2021? What is the title of the last song?

[@MrShonaguy]

Wow what a legend!! I love Tuku. Great interview as well, Heather!

[@richardyusuphmsongolomakat2049]

For I believe there is a life after life, then I don worry because I 'll meet the legend again.

[@edmund9559]

Definitely Sam was talented. I always miss him

[@totochouy2967]

Edmund Makowa

[@mariamfritsi4943]

This voice, wow rest in paradise peace legend. we still love you.

[@OSADYEFO]

In 2060 please know that i enjoyed this great man to the fullest

[@lifebeingtony]

The look on the presenter's face when Mtukudzi says "the woman he shares with his son" is priceless

[@prominencekashinda8572]

Sometimes as Africans we use direct translation from our native tongue. So l got why she was shocked because “in proper English” sharing a woman may mean something else. Quite hilarious but l like that she understood quickly what he meant. She is a professional presenter, very composed.

[@brynz2010]

the legend of Zim music

[@casttraining1575]

I miss you dad oliver mtukudzi God bless you. .

[@ZacariasChironda]

should not be normal he who put dislike in that

[@priscillamweetwa1502]

true

[@lulamacouskhosana3153]

This man was so talented

[@norubmadala529]

A very disturbed soul indeed! no disrespect meant

[@norubmadala529]

@@musiqatheart *jealousy

[@michaelheery6303]

@@norubmadala529 doubt it..

[@tafadzwachidziva3809]

this man really enjoyed his music 😊😊

[@talentnyatsambo4150]

I've watched this masterpiece so many times but I can't have enough of it. RIP our Legend.

[@tonyperez78]

Wow! What of a Beautiful Soul inside This Great Human being! Now He is enjoing His Salvation beside God The Father! All ways loves, And Missing You Oliver Mtukudzi,But in Heaven You're on a Better place!!

[@josephmwinyi7572]

This man music is across all generation.

[@darlingtontonderaitanganyi8476]

😢😢 😢😢😢 My Role model May your soul rest in peace 😢 I remember when I visited Pakere paya (Baba vangu) ndaiva na mbuya vangu Dr Dimbi when i was working on my new album ndikati Baba ndiri mwana wenyu ndauyao ne music yangu makatora CD and you tried to play it on your player but yakaramba ndakakukumbirai kuti munoinzwa mumota so lovely ❤ ❤❤ hamuna kuramba takaenda and we played it , makataura zvakandidzidzisa zvikuro we played all the songs dzaiva pa CD and pane song yamakafarira zvikuru inonzi Gore kore Mashoko amakatura (svika oga)makati mwangu ndazvinzwa asi nekuti ini ndichiri mupenyu uchazikwa kana ini ndafa 😢😢😢😢😢 Nhasi ndinochema Baba zororai murugare but your music 🎶 would live for ever@ Darlington Tanganyika

[@muvaritshifhiwajoseph9601]

Ah this is a legend Indeed 🤞 evn wen you don't understand wht is saying his music remains the best all times🥰👌

[@marloef11]

I just discovered your channel. Great interviewing.....I got to see Mr. Mtukudzi + the Black Spirits live at a festival last summer. THAT was a big highlight for me.

[@shinaisam856]

Such a beautiful voice

[@PatrickChaniwa]

2024 still listening to Mutukudzi Oliver

[@cheranganyhills6619]

This is our own, our legend, our blood and our African music

[@romeomusasa3863]

I fall in love with this guitar everytime

[@MusicTimeAfrica]

So do we!

[@lessono.oreavbiere5037]

The Legend Lives On..

[@amiralitaufiq]

I’ll live to remember you you was the godfather in the industry 🔥💪🏽

[@DkG683]

This man is a legend!

[@giftmutshenagift5294]

Haaa! He reminds me of my childhoods and my uncle who introduced me to his Music. Music is deep in him ,my soul relish every time I play his music.

[@aishamashaka7935]

i realy love ur voice as well as ur songs...big up mr mutukuzi

[@rogerleemeyzindi2979]

He is a monument of world music.An inspiration for musicians all over the planet.Ask American and European musicians what this guy means to them and you'll understand how important his influence is.

[@erikmujuru9197]

Rest easy the Greatest to ever emerge from Africa

[@bandamoses9766]

I love tuku music God bless you, watching you from Zambia 2021 (M .H . S .R . I .P)

[@ronaldtin4240]

It's Samanyanga's smile for me,, RIP Legend .

[@amandanmoyo]

Wow! I enjoyed the interview!

[@Tone8058]

Bless the legend Tuku !!

[@BenjaminOnsando]

wow, he has real passion in his music..so inspiring.

[@ricardositolesaiete3437]

This one of congratulations Oliver Mtukudzi who knows knows we have to give the merit the person who deserves it. Strength Oliver.