17.11.2020 Artist Focus: Oliver Mtukudzi

Some artists leave a legacy that stretches far beyond a great single or a number 1 album.

Artist Focus is a new Sunday series hosted by the extended Melodic Distraction family that deep dives into the life and times of the musicians that have defined the sound of modern music. From the stone cold classics to the unearthed gems and forgotten B-sides, our community tribute an hour of music by a single artist that has had a notable impact on their life.

This week, 'Ritmo' host Rose showcases the legend that is Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi.

Oliver Mtukudzi was a Zimbabwean musician, philanthropist, activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who achieved national fame under Rhodesian white minority apartheid rule in Southern Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe). A distinctive Afrofusion sound which became known as ‘Tuku Music’ soon earned Tuku international acclaim, leading him to record over 60 albums and collaborate with numerous legendary artists including Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Freshlyground. This week, Rose showcases Zimbabwe’s most renowned cultural icon of all time, with selections from a lifetime of music that advocated for tolerance, peace and unity.