Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
No sooner had the ink dried on the paper than another episode of the Mtukudzi saga erupted.
Social media is buzzing with reactions after Sir Wicknell, a controversial businessman from Harare, gifted Daisy Mtukudzi, the widow of the legendary musician Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi, a brand-new 2024 Toyota Fortuner. This generous gesture follows a revealing episode of the Ola7 podcast featuring Sandra and Selmor Mtukudzi, the daughters of the iconic musician.
In the podcast, Sandra, the elder of Tuku’s children, shared her emotional experiences regarding her relationship with Daisy, their stepmother. She recounted a heart-wrenching story of being fed from a dog’s pot, highlighting the neglect she felt during her childhood.
Sandra claimed that at the age of sixteen, she was left to fend for herself when Tuku and Daisy, along with Daisy’s biological children, moved without informing her.
Adding to the family’s turmoil, Sandra and Selmor revealed that they learned of their father’s death through social media while on a performing tour in the United Kingdom, as Daisy never reached out to them with the news.
The Mtukudzi family saga gained public attention after fans expressed their dissatisfaction over Selmor’s exclusion from a tribute concert held last week at the Pakare Paye Cultural Centre, a venue established by Oliver Mtukudzi to nurture emerging musicians.
Although Selmor was eventually included in the lineup, she struggled to complete her first song due to overwhelming emotions.
“For many years, I have been denied the opportunity to perform on this stage. I had to seek permission after you (pointing to the fans) advocated for me,” Selmor stated, leaving the stage in tears despite attempts from the audience to encourage her to continue singing for her father.
She later explained that she was not involved in the planning of the commemoration and received an invitation via email just two weeks before the concert.
Dr. Mtukudzi, affectionately known as “Tuku,” must be turning in his grave at the unfolding drama.
Enter Sir Wicknell.
The businessman, whose wealth accumulation remains somewhat mysterious, took to social media after presenting the new vehicle to Daisy.
He posted, “A musical genius, a national pride… Dr. Mtukudzi’s legacy continues to unite us,” accompanied by images of the vehicle handover.
However, Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten criticized Wicknell’s gesture, questioning his motives.
“Apa hapana zvawaita… (There’s nothing you have done)… Cooler down wangu, wakundisvota honestly,”
Holy Ten wrote on social media.
He accused Wicknell of intruding into the personal affairs of Zimbabwe’s iconic musician family, raising concerns about the businessman’s intentions.
“It’s not about the gift, but about respecting boundaries,” he added in a follow-up post. “Let the Mtukudzi family handle their own affairs.”
While Wicknell’s tribute aimed to honor Dr. Mtukudzi’s legacy, which has significantly shaped Zimbabwean music and culture, it appears he may have missed the mark. His donation is perceived as taking sides following the troubling revelations made by the Tuku siblings during the Ola7 podcast.
Dr. Mtukudzi passed away in 2019, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to resonate with many. This controversy raises important questions about philanthropy, personal boundaries, and the role of public figures in honoring legacies.
Will Sir Wicknell respond to Holy Ten’s criticism, or will this debate continue to simmer on social media?
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