WATCH: Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi immortalised in moving tribute

The Johannesburg Theatre on Tuesday saw top musicians celebrate the musical legacy of the 'tall giant'.

African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela performs at the memorial of musician, Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, 5 February 2019. Picture: Neil McCartney

World-renowned SA jazz musician Steve Dyer paid a moving tribute to his late friend and colleague Oliver Mtukudzi at a special memorial service held at the Johannesburg Theatre on Tuesday, saying his music would live on forever.

Dyer, who was joined by many fans and family members of the late, great muso, said he met Mtukudzi 35 years ago and he remembered him as a proud human being and performer who always entertained his audiences.

“He was always working and he believed that if you want to do something, do it right away,” said Dyer.

“He had a sense of humour, he managed to break borders, and build bridges through his music.”

Tuku, as he was known, had a career that spanned over forty years and over 60 original albums.

However, it was his dedication to the live music scene in Zimbabwe and later South Africa that earned him the place in people’s hearts that he holds today.

He also ventured into the world of film as a writer and producer of the soundtrack song Neria, from the 1993 Zimbabwean film of the same name, in-between touring with his band, The Black Spirits.

Peter Tladi, founder of the Joy of Jazz festival, said he met the “tall giant” in the early 90s and they formed a bond which saw Tuku headline many festivals across the country and around the world.

“He graced our festivals with amazing performances and thousands of people paid a lot of money to see him perform, so he contributed towards our economy,” said Tladi.