Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo has honoured the memory of the late music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi by gifting his family a total of US$74,000 (approximately KSh 9.6 million) to mark what would have been the icon’s 74th birthday.
Chivayo, known for his lavish gestures, made the announcement on Facebook on Tuesday, September 22, explaining that the figure was deliberately chosen to match Mtukudzi’s age, US$1,000 for every year of his life.
How Chivayo celebrated Mtukudzi’s birthday
The funds were distributed among four members of Mtukudzi’s family. Selma, Sandra and Shamiso each received US$15,000, while Mama Daisy received the remaining US$29,000, bringing the total to exactly US$74,000, approximately KSh 9.6 million.
Chivayo noted he was in London at the time of the announcement and directed the family to collect the money through Madzibaba Chipaga.
“Happy heavenly 74th birthday Dr Tuku, with love from the bigger preacher,” Chivayo wrote, adding that if the star were still alive, he would have personally driven to see him and handed over the cash in celebration.
Oliver Mtukudzi passed away on January 23, 2019 at Avenues Clinic in Harare, aged 66, after battling heart failure linked to diabetes.
He left behind a musical career spanning over four decades, during which he released 67 albums and developed a signature Afro-jazz sound widely known as “Tuku Music.”
His songs, mostly in Shona, blended traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with South African influences and earned him a following across Africa and beyond.
Beyond entertainment, Mtukudzi used his platform to spotlight social issues. His song “Todii” challenged the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, and his 2001 track “Wasakara” was banned in Zimbabwe after many interpreted it as a critique of then-president Robert Mugabe.
He also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, where he mentored young musicians. Following his death, the Zimbabwean government declared him a national hero.
See the post below:
Netizens weigh in
Chivayo’s tribute drew mixed reactions from followers online.
Jenny Mallows wrote:
“There is nothing wrong with honouring the memory of the departed, but we must also be honest about our priorities. The living have immediate needs: families struggling to afford food, patients needing medical care, children needing school fees, and vulnerable people needing basic support.”
Munashe Mudhonga commented:
“Congrats to them. Others, let’s be patient.”
Jino Nyik quipped:
“Some ancestors are working overtime.”
Obey Mapuranga wrote:
“Happy Heavenly birthday TUKU. Thank you Sir WMC.”
Kays Bushes added:
“Elder of the days.”
