Tuku’s family at war AGAIN: Selmor and Daisy’s bitter feud explodes… Is this Selmor’s revenge on troublesome mainini?

NORTON – The family of the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi remains divided, with the wounds from last year’s dramatic fallout seemingly unhealed. This division is set to play out publicly once again in September, as Selmor Mtukudzi and her father’s widow, Daisy, organise separate events to commemorate the legendary musician’s life.

Tuku passed away on January 23, 2019, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a family seemingly torn apart by internal strife. While the annual Tuku Half Marathon and Wellness event is held every January, September has also become a month marked by posthumous celebrations of his life. Last year saw the introduction of the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), but the inaugural event was marred by a very public display of family tensions.

Selmor and Sandra Mtukudzi later aired their grievances on DJ Ollah 7’s podcast.

The inaugural two-day OMIFA festival, held at Pakare Paye in Norton, attracted a substantial crowd but was overshadowed by Selmor’s abrupt departure from the stage after performing just one song. Her team attributed her emotional exit to being overwhelmed, but the incident ignited a national debate and further exposed the deep divisions within the Mtukudzi family. Public opinion was split, with some siding with Selmor and others supporting Daisy.

Now, ten months after that dramatic episode, the family appears no closer to reconciliation. OMIFA 25 is set to return on September 20, while Selmor is organising a parallel event titled “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run” the following day. Selmor’s event is being managed by Evonne Mudzingwa, who previously managed the Tuku Half Marathon, and has the support of Daisy.

Daisy confirmed that preparations for OMIFA 2025 are underway. “We are proceeding with the programme as planned, on September 20, and this is the only way I can remember my late husband in the company of his fans,” she said. “We have been busy with preparations despite a lack of funding and other challenges. Being an annual event, we want this occasion to serve its purpose for the benefit of all attendees. We will appreciate those who come to celebrate with us.”

When asked about Selmor’s event, Daisy responded: “Well, I am not on social media but there are people who tell me all sorts of stories. I have heard about their event and the people behind it. I wouldn’t want to comment much on that because people will end up criticising me on social media, as was the case last year.”

She added: “As I said earlier, I don’t want to talk much about that because, to me, it’s just gossip. When it comes to drama queens and kings, I am not there to control them. A lot has happened and is in the public domain ever since Tuku’s death. I have learnt to ignore some of these lunatics. I wish Tuku was here because he knew how to manage people. He had a special way of whipping people in line but now that he is gone, we can only celebrate his life. On that note, OMIFA 2025 is going ahead.”

Mudzingwa clarified that she is managing Selmor’s event as a service provider. “This event has nothing to do with Daisy, it’s Selmor’s event where she is celebrating her father’s legacy. I am here solely to assist Selmor. I am a service provider managing the event.”

Mudzingwa also shared expectations for the “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run,” stating, “Registration is still in progress and we are expecting over 500 runners.”

On July 6, Mudzingwa teased fans with the announcement of the “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run” via social media, explaining the concept: “TOZEZA TUKU TRAIL RUN brings back the OG obstacle challenge @ Lake Chivero, Norton. The Tozeza Tuku Trail Run is a celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, a Zimbabwean music icon. This inaugural event, hosted by his daughter Selmor Mtukudzi, honouring his birthday, aims to bring together music lovers, athletes and families to promote a healthy lifestyle, community engagement, and cultural heritage. Tozeza Baba was chosen as the theme song for the event due to its message against gender-based violence, which is one of Selmor’s passions.”

With two parallel events scheduled on consecutive days to celebrate Tuku’s life, it appears that opinions will once again be divided, and the family feud will continue to cast a shadow over the legacy of one of Zimbabwe’s greatest musicians.

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