Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo has honoured the memory of late music legend Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi by gifting his family a total of KSh9.6 million to mark what would have been the icon's 74th birthday. Chivayo made the announcement on Facebook on September 22, explaining that the figure was deliberately chosen to match Mtukudzi's age, with US$1,000 for every year of his life. The funds were distributed among four members of Mtukudzi's family.
The funds were split across four family members, including Mtukudzi's daughters Selma, Sandra, and Shamiso, and Mama Daisy. Selma, Sandra, and Shamiso each received US$15,000, while Mama Daisy received the remaining US$29,000, bringing the total to exactly US$74,000. Chivayo noted he was in London at the time of the announcement and directed the family to collect the money through Madzibaba Chipaga.
Oliver Mtukudzi passed away on January 23, 2019, at Avenues Clinic in Harare, aged 66, after battling heart failure linked to diabetes. He left behind a musical career spanning over four decades, during which he released 67 albums and developed a signature Afro-jazz sound widely known as "Tuku Music." His songs, mostly in Shona, blended traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with South African influences and earned him a following across Africa and beyond.
Beyond entertainment, Mtukudzi used his platform to spotlight social issues. His song "Todii" challenged the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, and his 2001 track "Wasakara" was banned in Zimbabwe after many interpreted it as a critique of then-president Robert Mugabe. He also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, where he mentored young musicians.
Following his death, the Zimbabwean government declared him a national hero. Chivayo's tribute drew mixed reactions from followers online, with some praising his generosity and others questioning priorities. Jenny Mallows wrote: "There is nothing wrong with honouring the memory of the departed, but we must also be honest about our priorities."
Netizens had different opinions about Chivayo's gesture, with Munashe Mudhonga commenting: "Congrats to them. Others, let's be patient." Jino Nyik quipped: "Some ancestors are working overtime." Obey Mapuranga wrote: "Happy Heavenly birthday TUKU. Thank you Sir WMC." Kays Bushes added: "Elder of the days."
This is not Chivayo's first high-profile gift; he also made headlines for gifting Senior Counsel Lewis Uriri a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography, fuel cash, and a handbag allowance for Uriri's wife. The gifts, valued at more than KSh45 million, sparked both admiration and debate among social media users. Chivayo posted from London, explaining he could not attend in person but arranged for the family to collect the funds locally.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo gifted KSh9.6m to Oliver Mtukudzi's family to mark his 74th birthday.
- The funds were distributed among four family members, including Mtukudzi's daughters and Mama Daisy.
- Chivayo's tribute drew mixed reactions from followers online, with some praising his generosity and others questioning priorities.
