Tuku conferred with honorary doctorate

By Godfrey Mtimba

MASVINGO – Music super star Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi has been conferred with an honorary PhD degree in Philosophy, Ethno Musicology and Choreography.

Tuku was capped by President Robert Mugabe at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) on Friday.

The katekwe music icon was rewarded for using his music as commentary on various social, cultural, economic issues in his 36-year long music career.

Speaking before he was conferred with the academic gong, GZU vice chancellor, Prof Rungano Zvobgo, commended Tuku for contributing to the preserving of social and cultural heritage of Zimbabwe through music.

“Here is a man, an icon of music in the country who has contributed immensely in the growth of the music industry in the country as well as inspiring young and upcoming musicians,” Zvobgo said.

“We have decided to honour him because of the great work he has done in the country.“

In a brief acceptance speech, Tuku thanked GZU administration for recognising his work.

“I am very humbled and would like to express my appreciation and gratefulness to this university,” the superstar said. “I never at one time thought that this would happen to me but today I have learnt that there are people out there who have been observing my work and appreciated it, hence they have shown it this way.”

Tuku, who was accompanied by his wife Daisy,  took the opportunity to belt out one of his song Ndegani thanking the university authorities for honouring him. Daily News