NORTON – Daisy Mtukudzi, the wife of the legendary Zimbabwean musician, Oliver Mtukudzi, has claimed that his daughter, Selmor Mtukudzi, was not on the initial list of artists set to feature in a festival to celebrate her late father because she is a difficult person.
The initial omission of Selmor for the fest, set for September 21-22 at Pakare Paye Arts Centre, sparked outrage as fans and influential figures in the world of Zimbabwean music expressed their disappointment at the development.
Several artists have been lined up to perform at the fest, Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, Killer T, Andy Muridzo, Hope Masike, Mokoomba, Black Spirits featuring Mbeu, Vazukuru veAfrica, Gemma, Fusion 5 Mangwiro and Agga Nyabinde, among others.
In an interview with H-Metro, Daisy said she found Selmor difficult to work with and had not taken a leadership role in the family as was expected of her.
“I am tired of that issue because people will always put the blame on me. I was told by the event organisers that she was not picking up her calls.
“Selmor was supposed to be at the forefront leading us, but she is difficult,” said Daisy, adding she will not lose sleep over people planning a boycott since it “will change nothing”.
“As for Selmor, she should not wait to be invited when family events of this magnitude are being organised,” she said.
Daisy also claimed that those suggesting Selmor was being treated like an outcast were mistaken.
“I don’t know what people want me to do for Selmor because she is not a minor any- more. She knows the right thing to do for the sake of protecting the family name,” she said.
Meanwhile, Selmor, who initially said that she had not been contacted by the organisers of the festival, requested privacy, as she said the latest controversy had affected her negatively.
“I feel disappointed and heartbroken. I can’t say much,” she told H-Metro. I feel l would appreciate some privacy at the moment but, above all, l want to thank you all for the support, l appreciate it. That’s all l can say for now,” she said.
All is well that ends well
Later in the day on Wednesday, Selmor’s camp confirmed that she would be participating at the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Arts Festival (OMIFA) after consultations with some stakeholders.
“To all who spoke up for me, you have been amazing. I’m humbled by the love you have for my father which has extended over to me.
“I will not take it for granted. For that reason and in honour of my father’s legacy, I will be coming to Pakare Paye. Let’s do this right. I love you all,” said Selmor on her X handle.
According to a report by the State owned Herald newspaper top arts promoter and family friend, Josh Hozheri, mediated between Selmor and Tuku Music representatives.
“I sat down Selmor, festival director Samantha (Mtukudzi), and partners Marcus Gora and Diva Mwale to iron out the issue.
“After receiving a phone call from Diva Mwale yesterday (Tuesday) I intervened basically for two reasons; my own relationship with Tuku and I am happy to see his legacy being promoted and celebrated in the right manner.
“Another reason is that music is for the people. You can’t take or do a production with a divided audience. After seeing the comments on social media, the people had spoken. Selmor has agreed to come and perform, which is good for the protection of Tuku’s brand,” he said.
“I have known this family for years, and I was also affected by the public outcry.
“A person of Oliver Mtukudzi’s calibre deserves to be honoured in a big way, and not this chaos we were reading about on social media.”
Hozheri said Tuku’s daughter, Sandra, who is based in the United Kingdom, is also coming for the show.
“We want the presence of Tuku to be felt at this event. As a family friend, the matter is about protecting Tuku’s name from being tarnished further,” he added.
