Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi (22 September 1952 – 23 January 2019) was a Zimbabwean musician, businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region. Tuku was considered to have been Zimbabwe's most renowned and internationally recognised cultural icon of all time. Mtukudzi began performing in 1977 when he joined the Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured Thomas Mapfumo. Their single Dzandimomotera went gold and Tuku's first album followed, which was also a major success. Mtukudzi is also a contributor to Mahube, Southern Africa's "supergroup". With his husky voice, Mtukudzi has become the most recognised voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and onto the international scene and he has earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond.
Links to Peel
Peel started playing Tuku's music from the early 80's, and would continue playing it until the early 90's. Tuku didn't do any sessions for Peel's show, but did some for Andy Kershaw's programme.
Shows Played
- 25 January 1982: Ndagura Ndapfidza
- 22 February 1982: 'Mdodiniko'
- 19 April 1982: Too Chanti Honga Fanga (track title as transcribed)
- 1988
- 09 May 1988: Nhaka (LP - Sugar Pie) CSA
- 14 June 1988: Nhaka (LP - Sugar Pie) CSA
- 1992
- 12 April 1992 (BFBS): Timbvumbamireye (LP - Shoko - Tuku Music from the Townships of Zimbabwe) (Piranha)
- 15 May 1992: 'Kumhunga (CD-Shoko)' (Piranha)
- 24 May 1992 (BFBS): Kumhunga (album - Shoko) Piranha
- 29 May 1992: Madzongonyedze (CD – Shoko) Piranha
