Zimbabwe's legendary musician Mtukudzi dies

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, January 24, 2019
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HARARE, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi died Wednesday at the age of 66, in capital Harare.

The musician suffered from diabetes, but the cause of his death was not immediately known.

He was reported to struggle with heart problems that saw him failing to stage shows in the past festive season.

Affectionately known by his fans as Tuku, the musician is world acclaimed for his 1993 hit song, Neria, which dealt with challenges widows go through after the death of their husbands.

The Zimbabwean government, through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting mourned the passing of the musician.

"Government conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Mtukudzi family on the sad passing on of Oliver 'Tuku' Mtukudzi at Avenues Clinic," the government said in a statement.

Condolences kept pouring in on social media, paying tribute to the great cultural icon of Zimbabwe, who has a huge following across the African continent and beyond.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Mtukudzi had been the country's cultural ambassador, raising the national flag high.

President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi said the musician touched many souls through his beautiful music and humility.

Mtukudzi recorded 67 albums throughout his illustrious career.

With his distinctive husky voice, Mtukudzi sings in the country's three main languages Shona, Ndebele and English and he boasts a number of hit songs. Enditem

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