Iconic Zimbabwean musician and businessman, Oliver Mtukudzi has passed away, according to multiple news sources in Harare, the nation’s capital.
The philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador died on Wednesday after suffering from diabetes, ending a career that spanned four decades.
A family member as well as his record label, Gallo Record Company, has also confirmed his passing.
The 66-year-old musician, nicknamed ‘Tuku’, reportedly struggled with his health for over a month.
Already, tributes have begun pouring in on social media as the late musician is possibly Zimbabwe’s best-known musical export.
With his signature husky voice, Mtukudzi released 67 albums during his lifetime and produced songs with South African group Black Mambazo as well as the late Hugh Masekela, the legendary trumpeter and singer known as the ‘father of South African jazz.’ Mtukudzi also produced duets with younger musicians, some of whom he nurtured at his arts center in Norton, outside Harare.