By Angeline Dimingo-Nota de Jenairo- Zimba Wave Media
Selmor and Sandra Mutukudzi’s exclusion from the Oliver Mutukudzi Festival has caused a stir on social media over the last couple of days. The release of the performing artist list triggered an outcry on social media platforms after some people perceived unfair treatment of the duo mentioning particularly Selmor Mutukudzi. Social media users felt that the absence of Sandra and Selmor Mutukudzi at the festival was undesired, considering that they were the artist’s legitimate and official eldest of his children.
L to R: Sandra Mutukudzi, The late Icon Oliver Mutukudzi and Selmor mutukudzi
Several social media comments have tainted Daisy Mutukudzi as the evil stepmother while revealing that the family is at loggerheads over the late Mutukudzi’s estate. However, some comments seem to connect the controversy to have emanated from the siblings’ strained relationship with the deceased. Some fans suggesting claims that Mutukudzi was an absent father who failed dismally in managing his family issues though he managed his art extremely well.
Despite the social media outrage concerning Selmor and Sandra’s exclusion from the festival, others lauded the decision, citing that the duo departed from their father’s band, which is deemed disrespectful to the legacy of the latter.
Notably some have lashed out at some of the artists billed to perform, calling for boycott unless Mutukudzi’s children are included. Sarungano, a musician billed to perform posted a picture of himself and Shamiso Mutukudzi and captioned, “Rehearsals done, road to Oliver Mutukudzi Music Festival…” Responses to the posts included statements such as.
Charles Kambare Mpofu K, “Selmor haapo hatiuyiko.” (We are not attending in Selmor’s absence)
Brian Maodza, “Without Selmor Hapana zvamuri kuita (It’s a non-event if it’s in Selmor’s absence). You must be ashamed of yourself to perform at such a divisive event.”
Amidst the controversy, Marcus Tawanda Gora, an arts practitioner, disputed the exclusion allegations in a Facebook comment, “This story is misleading, there was an invitation and negotiation, the line up announcement was not final. People want this to be negative…Ko kunzwa kubva kuna Selmor and Tuku Music the organizers, number dzavo hamunha here tikupeyi,” he said, challenging the fans to establish the true facts from the parties involved, and even offering to share their contacts.
Though efforts to reach out to both parties on the matter were in vain at the time of publishing, a look at the Tuku Music official social medial handles confirms that Selmor Mutukudzi is not on the line up.
Notably, a deep incite into Selmor and Sandra’s posts over the past week suggests a diplomatic call for peace, unity and tranquility in all the fiasco while appreciating the love and support from their fans. In a red themed post with three red heart symbolsSelmor expressed her genuine love for her followers. In another post without mentioning any names nor situation she just shared lyrics from her father’s songs, Zvauya sei, “Inga tiri vanhu vamwechete, pfungwa dzedu dzimwechete, mitupo yedu mimwechete, Zvauya sei kugarovengena. (We belong together, share the same totem and same line of thought, where is the continuoushostility emanating from?) Sandra on the other hand,posted anotherof Oliver Mutukudzi’s line in a black themed post, “Hear me Lord, I am feeling low.”
With such, one cannot help but be tempted to listen to what has not been said and silently respond to the diplomatic call for privacy under the circumstances.
Nonetheless, whether the duo will perform or make an appearance at the Oliver Mutukudzi International Festival remains a mystery, but it should be noted that these ladies have done well so far in keeping up the Tuku music legacy.
Resolutely, Selmor Mutukudzi does not only ride on the late legends fame but has been a trendsetter for local Zimbabwean Female Artists. To her name, Selmor holds local and international accolades based on her own compositions and performances dating back to the year 2013.She has also independently performed and collaborated with various highly acclaimed international artists on international platforms prior to Oliver Mutukudzi’s death.
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