In a cosy restaurant in Cambridge, a Zimbabwean family sat down for what seemed like an ordinary meal, until the opening chords of Jah Prayzah’s Kwaunobva spilt from the speakers. Suddenly, the air shifted. The familiar rhythms danced through the room, sparking an unexpected wave of nostalgia and warmth. Moments later, Neria by the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi followed, weaving a golden thread of memory and emotion through the meal. Just like that, the restaurant transformed into a portal back home, thousands of miles away, but only a song’s length apart.
This wasn’t just background music. It was a reminder of Zimbabwe’s far-reaching cultural heartbeat, one that echoes in the most unexpected corners of the world. From busy street markets in Harare to trendy eateries in Europe, Zimbabwean music is more than entertainment; it’s a connection, a comfort, and a cultural bridge.
At the centre of this legacy stands Oliver Mtukudzi, affectionately known as Tuku. With his signature husky voice and soulful guitar work, Tuku didn’t just sing; he told stories, shaped identities, and stitched communities together with sound. His music, a powerful blend of traditional Zimbabwean rhythms and contemporary flair, resonated far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. You could hear his voice floating through village gatherings, thundering through concert halls, or gently playing in a Nando’s queue.
Tuku’s impact didn’t end with his death in 2019 at the age of 66. South African jazz maestro Steve Dyer, a longtime collaborator, paid tribute to him as a towering figure in African music, a master whose melodies would outlive him, keeping his spirit alive in song.
Beyond his own performances, Mtukudzi poured his energy into nurturing future stars. At his Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, just outside Harare, he mentored budding artists, creating a space for talent to grow. He also shared stages and studio time with the continent’s greats, including the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In a haunting twist of fate, both Mtukudzi and South African jazz icon Hugh Masekela, another powerful voice who fought apartheid through music, passed away on the same day in January 2018. Their simultaneous departure marked the end of an era, but their legacies continue to guide and inspire.
Today, artists like Jah Prayzah are proudly carrying the torch. Blending traditional influences with modern flair, they are taking Zimbabwean music to global audiences and making sure that it remains both rooted and relevant.
So, the next time you’re abroad and a Zimbabwean tune catches you by surprise, pause and take it in. It’s more than a song. It’s a reminder that culture travels, on melodies, on memories, and through moments shared over meals. Music like this doesn’t need a passport; it only needs a heart willing to listen.
