Profile: Who was Sam Mtukudzi?

Sam Mtukudzi was a young Zimbabwean male artist born 1st April 1988. Sam was the multi-talented son of African Renowned musician Oliver Mtukudzi and through his passion for music showed the world the vast talents he has to offer in the music discipline. 

The music that has earned the hearts of those that have had the chance to listen began as a 4 year olds adventure in a small town, Kwekwe, in Zimbabwe. Considering he was only four years old and the only instrument he could find was his father’s guitar he had no option but to become a self trained guitarist. At age 10 after seeing him perform at an annual school concert for the first time, Sam acquired his first guitar given to him by his father. 

He was enrolled into Prince Edward High school 3 years later were he began to develop himself in various musical directions .His theory was widened as he also learnt several other instruments namely marimba, mbira, drums, saxophone, bass guitar, electric (lead) guitar etc. This is where the decision to make music his career came after realizing that music was not only his love or hobby but also a passion that he wished to develop.   

Sam has knowledge on playing the following instruments professionally in order of appearance – acoustic guitar, alto saxophone, marimba, bass guitar, electric guitar, percussion<congas, hosho, drums>, nyunga nyunga mbira, (First instrument:  acoustic guitar)  

The Performer 

Sam has participated in major festivals internationally such as Zimbabwe’s Harare International Festival of the Arts (H.I.F.A), Winter jazz festival, Victoria Falls International jazz festival and South Africa’s Cape town International jazz festival, Jo’burg International jazz festival, etc. 

Apart from festivals in South Africa he has performed at Birchwood Hotel, Moyo Restaurant, Goethe Institute, House Of Nsako and Blues Room International Jazz Club. 

Other countries where he has taken his talent to include Zambia, Malawi, United Kingdom, Mozambique, Kenya, Canada, United States of America, Lesotho, Swaziland, Nigeria, and Ireland. 

This exposure has led him to sharing the stage with such luminaries as Jimmy Dludlu, Hugh Masekela (SA), Malaika, Alick Macheso, Pakare paye ensemble, UB 40 (U.K), Steve Dyer (SA), Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Sandra Ndebele, Sam Mataure, Adrian Muparutsa, Philbert Marowa, Cool Crooners, Mbare trio, Dumi Ngulube, Albert Nyathi, Lucky Dube (SA)  , Jazz Invitation, Erick Wainaina ( Kenya ), Suzana Owiyo ( Kenya ), Sakala Brothers ( Zambia ), Chiwoniso Maraire, Steve Makoni, Mashia Moyo, Dudu Manhenga, Ben Micheals, Max Wild ( USA ), Louis Mhlanga ( SA ), Manhattan Brothers ( USA ), Sergio Mendes ( Brazil ), Raul ( USA ) 

After seven years of performance experience, Sam release his debut album, which features Ay Band, the band he started and developed. “Rume Rimwe” features twelve tracks that are all self composed and arranged except two tracks, one that is an adaptation of Oliver Mtukudzi hit song “Tozeza”, the other was co-written by Victor Chiduku and Sam Mtukudzi. For the album Publishing and Distribution Sam worked with Tuku Music in Zimbabwe and Sheer Sounds in SA. 

At the time of his death he was working on his second album.

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