Tuku Music has announced the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), to be held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, Zimbabwe, on 21 and 22 September 2024. The festival aims to honour the life and legacy of the renowned Zimbabwean musician Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi, who passed away on 23 January 2019 at the age of 66. The event, themed “Dairai, Sabelani, Answer!”, will commemorate Mtukudzi’s birthday on 22 September, celebrating his substantial contributions to music and culture and calling for community unity and progress.
Samantha Mtukudzi, Mtukudzi’s daughter and OMIFA director, shared her sentiments with SAT: “Oliver Mtukudzi was not only a hero and icon to us as his family, he was loved by all of Zimbabwe and beyond. We have created the festival to become the foremost platform where people can gather, celebrate and remember him annually, on the dates around his birthday which is the 22nd of September.”
OMIFA will feature a diverse range of activities and performances that reflect Mtukudzi’s genre, style, and influence. A full line-up of headlining acts will be revealed soon. The festival organisers are calling for content submissions, with a panel set to select the best from these. Samantha Mtukudzi emphasised that the event would be well-organised, featuring top-quality acts, a fun play area for children, a wellness hub, food, beverage and crafts stalls, ensuring an uplifting and enjoyable experience.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on the Pakare Paye Arts Centre and its initiatives that promote the town of Norton and support emerging artists. In addition to music showcases, OMIFA will host a commemorative dinner, workshops, and performances by leading artists in dance, art and craft, fashion, theatre, and film.
Mtukudzi, whose career spanned over four decades, was an influential figure in African music, blending traditional Shona music with Afropop and folk styles. He released 66 albums, collaborated with numerous global artists, and received multiple awards, including Kora Awards and a Grammy nomination. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and philanthropist, his music addressed social issues, promoted cultural heritage, and inspired generations of artists and fans worldwide.
Samantha Mtukudzi concluded, “Oliver Mtukudzi’s vision, sound, fashion and lyrics will be experienced in a lot of the performances and productions that will be presented throughout the programme.”
OMIFA promises to be a fitting tribute to a musical legend, celebrating his enduring legacy and continuing to inspire future generations.
