Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has marked the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s 74th birthday with a US$74,000 cash tribute to the musician’s family.
Chivayo announced the gesture on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the date Mtukudzi was born in 1952. The musician would have turned 74 this year. The businessman structured the gift around Mtukudzi’s age, setting aside US$1,000 for every year the legendary musician would have lived.
The money will go to four members of Mtukudzi’s immediate family. His widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, will receive US$29,000, while his daughters Selmor, Sandra and Shamiso will each receive US$15,000.
Chivayo, who was in London when he made the announcement, instructed the family to collect the money through a link.
The gesture continues Chivayo’s public support for the Mtukudzi family, following other gifts and interventions involving members of the musician’s family in recent weeks. Chivayo framed the US$74,000 gift as the celebration he would have given Mtukudzi had the musician still been alive.
“Happy heavenly 74th birthday Dr Tuku, with love from the bigger preacher,” Chivayo wrote in his birthday tribute.
He also imagined the conversation the two would have had on the occasion.
“If he were still with us today, I know without doubt he would have called me and said, ‘Iwe Wicknell, ndi TUKU urikupiko nhasi ibirthday rangu hausi kuzviziva here?’” Chivayo said.
He added that he would have travelled to see the musician and handed him the money personally.
“Wherever I was, I would definitely have driven straight to see him and given him US$74,000 CASH to celebrate his 74th birthday,” he said.
The businessman used the tribute to reflect on Mtukudzi’s contribution to Zimbabwean music and culture, describing his legacy as one that continues beyond his death.
Mtukudzi died on January 23, 2019, aged 66. His death ended a career spanning more than four decades and left behind a catalogue of music that established him as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential cultural figures.
Born on September 22, 1952, in Highfield, Harare, Mtukudzi rose from Zimbabwe’s music scene to become an internationally recognised singer, songwriter and guitarist.
He developed a distinctive sound commonly known as Tuku Music, blending Zimbabwean musical traditions with influences from across Southern Africa. His career produced dozens of albums and popular songs including Todii and Wasakara.
Mtukudzi also used his music to address social issues. His work touched on HIV/AIDS, stigma, family relationships and the experiences of women and children.
His influence extended beyond music. UNICEF appointed him Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa in June 2011, a role through which he advocated for young people, HIV/AIDS prevention and children’s rights.
He also established the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, which provided a space for developing musicians and other young creatives.
Zimbabwe later declared Mtukudzi a national hero following his death. On September 22, 2026, The Herald described his birthday as an important date on Zimbabwe’s showbiz calendar, noting that he regularly marked the occasion with celebrations, dinners and meetings with emerging creatives at Pakare Paye.
