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By UK Bureau & Agencies
The late Oliver Mtukudzi
The government will consider a "special honor" for the superstar of world music and Zimbabwe's cultural icon, Oliver Mtukudzi, said Minister of Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry.
Tuku, as he was known to fans around the world, spent Wednesday afternoon at the Aven Clinic where he had been admitted to the intensive care unit.
Aged 66 at the time of his death, Tuku was not just a music superstar. He has also been a businessman, philanthropist, human rights advocate and UNICEF Goodwill Ambbadador for the Southern African region.
Zimbabweans around the world immediately called on the government to declare it a national hero.
Minister Coventry, who was among the mourners during his visit to Tuku Norton's home, acknowledged that he deserved a "special honor".
"It was a legend. He is not only a music hero for the country, "she told The Herald.
"He is an African hero. It deserves a special honor, but things will become clear in the next few days.
"We respect each other. Last year, we sat on the same panel when we talked about philanthropic work. "
She added; "I last talked to him about the end of last year when we met at the airport. He was coming from a tour and I was traveling to South Africa.
"We talked about the future of the arts industry and he talked to me about the kids he was working with. It was really a legend.
"As a government, we are ready to honor our legends in various sectors."
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) said it has already approached the government in the name of Tuku's honor.
"We have asked the government to ask Tuku to be considered a national hero," said NACZ director Nicholas Moyo, who was also at the legend.
"The formal procedures have started and we are here to talk to the family to start the process.
"It would be great to have as the first artist to have such an honor. He deserves this status for his hard work and leadership in the sector.
"He was a hero all by himself and a hero of the people. I have had the privilege of working with him personally and I am convinced that his works deserve a great honor.
"However, what matters most to us is not the status. What matters most is the legacy he left to the arts industry in general. His works will live forever. "
With his distinct hoarse voice, Tuku led a career from white Rhodesia to minorities to Zimbabwe's majority, producing a series of hits that spread his fame across Africa and ultimately to the international audience.
He tended to avoid political controversy. The closest to him was his 2001 song "Bvuma", which means "accept that you are old" in shona and was interpreted as a message to longtime leader Robert Mugabe for his retirement. .
In a country where political tensions are high and party loyalty is high, Mtukudzi moved away from the demarcation line, singing at the ruling party's demonstrations, but also performing at the leader's weddings and funerals. opposition Morgan Tsvangirai.
One of his greatest hits is "Neria", a melancholy song about the tribulations of a woman who was thrown into poverty at the death of her husband because customary law did not allow her to die. Inherit his property. It was the title song of a movie of the same name.
Mtukudzi's catchy and captivating performances have earned him a dedicated fan base. He sang, played guitar and danced while leading a select group of guitarists, keyboards, drummers and dancers who seamlessly performed his catchy songs. He has made several successful international tours and has produced in South Africa at the end of last year.
He was also known for mentoring young Zimbabwean musicians.
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