BY STYlE REPORTER
YOUTHS have implored stakeholders in the arts industry to continue the iconic work carried out by the late music superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi towards uplifting upcoming artistes through his Pakare Paye Arts Centre vision.
Empowerment pressure group Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs Youth Action (Zeya) president James Pande said youths were deeply saddened by the passing-on of Tuku and had plans to hold programmes to promote and nurture young talent in the arts in line with the icon’s legacy.
Mtukudzi gave professional advice to upcoming musicians such as Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Enisia Mashusha of Mambokadzi band, Jean Masters, Willom Tight, Ex-Q, Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora and Gary Tight, among others.
“Zeya will definitely look for sponsorship towards similar youth empowerment programmes done by Dr Oliver Mtukudzi in the arts sector, as a way to fill the void left by our hero,” Pande said.
“As a youth empowerment lobby group, we also urge all stakeholders in the arts industry to keep up that vision.”
Pande, who is also a fashion designer, added that Tuku deserved the national hero status accorded to him by government because his humble character and the powerful lyrics in his songs had impacted the lives of many young people, including himself.
“They should also be humble and handle fame like Tuku and desist from singing provocative music especially politically charged lyrics and dissing each other so that their music can go on forever.
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“These days we see artistes surrounding themselves with bodyguards yet they are supposed to be mixing and mingling with their fans like Dr Tuku, who moved around freely interacting with his fans and even taking selfies with them.”
He also had consoling words for the Mtukudzi family, urging them not to lose heart but seek comfort in God and continue the work that Tuku began at Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
Opened in 2004, the arts centre in Norton was now synonymous with arts development by nurturing aspiring musicians, poets and drama clubs.
