Mtukudzi Family Rift Resurfaces as Two Memorial Events Planned

Family tensions within the Mtukudzi household are set to take center stage once more, with two separate events planned this September to celebrate the legacy of the late Zimbabwean music icon, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.

The move follows last year’s dramatic moment when Selmor Mtukudzi walked off stage in tears during her father’s memorial festival, a sign of the deepening rift within the family.

Tensions first came to light during the first edition of the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) in Norton, where divisions between Tuku’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, and his daughters became publicly visible. Matters escalated further when Selmor and her sister Sandra shared their grievances in a widely circulated podcast interview, stirring public opinion and media debate.

This year, two commemorative events are scheduled a day apart. Daisy Mtukudzi will lead the official OMIFA 2025 on September 20, continuing what she describes as her chosen way to honour her late husband.

“We’re pushing ahead with preparations for September 20,” Daisy said. “Financially, things are tight, but we are committed to creating a meaningful experience for those who attend.”

Meanwhile, Selmor Mtukudzi will host her own tribute event the following day, September 21, titled the Tozeza Tuku Trail Run. Held at Lake Chivero in Norton, the event blends a fitness challenge with a social cause, focusing on awareness around gender-based violence.

When asked about Selmor’s event, Daisy offered a reserved response:
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces since I’m not on social media. I don’t want to get caught up in drama—we’ve seen enough of that since Tuku passed.”

Selmor’s event is being coordinated by event manager Evonne Mudzingwa, who emphasized the independence of the initiative:
“We’re managing an event Selmor is organising in her personal capacity. It’s not connected to any other family efforts.”

Inspired by the song Tozeza Baba, the trail run is expected to attract more than 500 participants and includes obstacle course activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and social activism.

The scheduling of two separate memorials has sparked renewed public discussion, with fans and observers divided over the family’s ongoing conflict. While both sides claim to honour Tuku’s memory, many fear that the family rift continues to overshadow the celebration of his cultural and musical contributions.

As September approaches, the spotlight will once again fall on the Mtukudzi family—not just for the music, but for whether they can rise above internal disputes to unite in paying tribute to a national legend.

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