Zimbabwean music legend Oliver Mtukudzi dies

Jazz musician Oliver Mtukudzi has passed away, according to multiple news sources in Zimbabwe.

A tweet was initially sent out by Zimbabwean publication Masvingo Mirror.

According to the tweet, the publication “has it on good authority that he died two hours ago in the ICE at Avenues Clinic in Harare”.

The musical icon’s death has since also been reported in NewsDay as well as Health Times, who reported that the death has been confirmed by a reliable family member.

His record label, Gallo Record Company, has also confirmed his passing.

The 66-year-old musician, nicknamed Tuku, had been struggling with his health for over a month.

No statement has been released yet by the family and the cause of Mtukudzi’s death is not yet known.

Tributes immediately began pouring in on social media.

As well as possibly the country’s best-known musical export, Mtukudzi was a businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.

He released 58 albums.

Breaking News
Oliver Mtukudzi is dead
Music icon Oliver Mtukudzi has passed on. The Mirror has it on good authority that he died 2hrs ago in the ICU at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.

— The Mirror Masvingo (@TheMirrorMsv) January 23, 2019

#BreakingNews
Zimbabwean musician Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi is dead. "Tuku" was a singer-songwriter with over 60 albums to his name. He was one of Africa's top musicians. He was hospitalised last year after suffering from a heart attack. We condole with his family.
📷 @MgciniNyoni pic.twitter.com/TPJk0DJmFA

— This Is Africa (@ThisIsAfricaTIA) January 23, 2019

The music maestro Oliver Mtukudzi is no more. The nation has lost one of it's gallant sons, a man of integrity, a composer, producer, an idol, the music guru. He was everything to music 66 albums to his name 66years of age what a milestone. MHSRIP we will always remember you. pic.twitter.com/grHQaZkP6p

— Manje (@Mandlisto4) January 23, 2019

Another Legend is out, RIP Oliver Mtukudzi 😔 pic.twitter.com/TRlZlL80QK

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— albinie (@albinie) January 23, 2019

Rest In Peace, Oliver Mtukudzi.

You were the soundtrack to an entire generation and a rare gift to Zimbabwe.

We will always love you, a legend and hero. pic.twitter.com/qhPBabPEyS

— Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 (@advocatemahere) January 23, 2019

23 January:

On this day in 2018, Hugh Masekela, one of South Africa’s greatest musician passed on.
On this day in 2019, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi passed on to glory.
2 Legends Rest in power.

🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/tWwuHKipyn

— Soko Mukanya 🇿🇼 (@PTChimusoro) January 23, 2019

The devastating news. Oliver Mtukudzi – bring joy with your music in the afterlife. https://t.co/k1dEJkhQcS

— MbadaTsvuku🤝 (@MatorofaTapes) January 23, 2019

Someone please tell me this isn’t true, I am so gutted to hear of the passing of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi. You were more than just music, you were a healer, an entertainer and voice of wisdom. Rest In Peace my legend 💔😭🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/gXwBkbkM1O

— Jay Badza (@jaybadza47) January 23, 2019

(Compiled by Daniel Friedman)

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