Norton – The Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts, a celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary Zimbabwean musician, has been overshadowed by a dramatic incident involving Aaron Chaka, the man who claims to be Tuku’s son.
Chaka, who has been embroiled in a long-running paternity dispute with the late musician’s family, was reportedly barred from attending the festival.
Social media was abuzz with reports and images circulating of a man, who looks like Chaka, being denied entry at the gate of the Pakare Paye Arts Centre, the venue for the festival.
When contacted by H-Metro, Chaka refused to address the issue directly, stating that he was not part of the festival’s programme and therefore had no reason to attend. He also refused to confirm or deny whether he had been denied entry, citing a preference to discuss the matter face-to-face. He has also reportedly been asking for money before he can answer any questions from news reporters.
Chaka’s reluctance to address the issue comes amidst a long-running paternity saga that has caused a rift within the Mtukudzi family. In July, Chaka’s quest to legally assume the surname Mtukudzi and claim his place as Tuku’s son hit a major roadblock when the High Court dismissed his application.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Fatima Chakapamambo Maxwell, hinged on a series of discrepancies in Chaka’s claims and the absence of concrete evidence, culminating in a demand for a paternity test.
Chaka has been adamant in his refusal to submit to a DNA test, arguing that it goes against his cultural beliefs. He has also demanded payment from journalists for interviews about his claims, further tarnishing his image and raising questions about his true motives.
The reported barring of Chaka from the Tuku Festival has fuelled speculation about the family’s stance on the paternity dispute. While Chaka claims to have been introduced to the family by Tuku himself, the late musician’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, has been a vocal critic of his claims, accusing him of being an imposter and demanding a DNA test to settle the matter.
“Where was he all along? Why has he all of a sudden decided to come forward claiming to be my husband’s son? What is his real motive?” Daisy Mtukudzi questioned in a previous interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment.
The late singer’s official children are Sandra, Selmor, Samantha, Sybil, and the late Sam. Tuku’s widow is the sole beneficiary of the estate, as per a will filed by a law firm indicating that Daisy Kudzai Mtukudzi was to inherit all movable and immovable property.
The family’s major immovable asset is the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, while movable property includes several vehicles, among them a Land Rover Discovery with personalised number plates.
The incident at the Tuku Festival has further intensified the controversy surrounding Chaka’s claims. His refusal to undergo a DNA test, coupled with his reported barring from the festival, has raised questions about his true intentions and the family’s determination to protect Tuku’s legacy. The festival, intended to celebrate the life and music of a beloved Zimbabwean icon, has instead become a stage for family drama and unresolved conflicts.
“Where was he all along? Why has he all of a sudden decided to come forward claiming to be my husband’s son? What is his real motive?” Daisy Mtukudzi questioned in a previous interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment.
The late singer’s official children are Sandra, Selmor, Samantha, Sybil, and the late Sam. Tuku’s widow is the sole beneficiary of the estate, as per a will filed by a law firm indicating that Daisy Kudzai Mtukudzi was to inherit all movable and immovable property.
The family’s major immovable asset is the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, while movable property includes several vehicles, among them a Land Rover Discovery with personalised number plates.
Meanwhile, Selmor Mtukudzi, a musician like her late father, broke down on stage during her performance, accusing her stepmother, Daisy, of treating her as an outcast within the family.
The festival, intended to celebrate the life and music of a beloved Zimbabwean icon, has instead become a stage for family drama and unresolved conflicts.
