Harare – In just four days, Zimbabwe’s music community will gather to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the untimely death of Sam Mtukudzi, son of the legendary Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi. Sam, along with his friend and sound engineer Owen Chimhare, tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Harare on March 15, 2010.
Sam’s life, full of promise and potential, was cut short at the young age of 21. The impact of his loss continues to be felt deeply, especially by his family, who still grapple with the grief of his passing. His father, Oliver Mtukudzi, himself endured years of profound sorrow following the death of his son.
Sam appeared destined for greatness, and his music continues to resonate with listeners. Some of his tracks even seem eerily prescient, hinting at his own fate. To celebrate his life and legacy, a special commemoration will be held on April 5 at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, a place synonymous with the Mtukudzi family and their contribution to Zimbabwean arts.
The event will feature performances by fellow musicians from Sam’s generation, including Agga Nyabinde, Tamy Moyo, Bernard Betera, Watson “Jay Watta” Chidzomba, Sarungano, Donald Kanyuchi, Chiedza Chevatendi, Esau, and Tetenda Macheso, who leads the Cheso Boys band.
Agga Nyabinde, reflecting on Sam’s unique talent, said: “You could listen to his music and say, ‘This sounds like Tuku music,’ but it’s different. So, Sam was being Sam, he was not imitating Oliver Mtukudzi and I appreciate that from him. He also taught us that, as youngsters, we can do music and be responsible people. We need to celebrate each other even after losing each other to death. Sam was a promising lad who had potential, and we can only celebrate his music now.”
Sam’s death occurred on March 15, a date steeped in historical significance. In the ancient Roman calendar, it is known as the Ides of March, a day associated with misfortune and doom. It is famously remembered as the date of Julius Caesar’s assassination. In William Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar,” a soothsayer warns Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March.”
Indeed, March has proven to be a cruel month for many high-profile Zimbabweans and their families, who will be remembering their lost loved ones.
BLESSING “YOGO YOGO” MAKUNIKE, SHINGI ARLON, GARY MASHOKO
The three footballers died on March 13, 2004 when the car they were travelling crashed and turned into a fireball. They were all playing for CAPS United and were coming from a league match in Bulawayo. Two CAPS United fans, who were also in that same car, died in that fireball.
ZORORO MAKAMBA
The radio and television personality died on the same day of the month in which the CAPS United trio died but in different years. Zororo died on March 12, 2020, just two days after testing positive for Covid-19. He was only 30. His death was even reported by The New York Times newspaper.
ANDY BROWN
He was one of the country’s leading musicians and died on March 16, 2012, just a day after his birthday.
KENNY ROGERS
One of the greatest country musicians of all-time, he died on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81.
BARNEY WAILER
The reggae legend died on March 2, 2021, at the ae of 73.
STEVE KWASHI
The legendary football coach’s life changed forever when he was severely injured in an accident on March 26, 2001, on his way home from a league match. While Kwashi survived the horror crash, he never worked again until he died in July 2021, at the age of 67, because of Covid-19 complications.
HARDLIFE ZVIREKWI
The 2016 Soccer Star of the Year’s life changed forever when he was badly injured in an accident on March 13, 2020, in Harare, while on his way home. He was the CAPS United captain at the time and a regular member of the Warriors. His car hit a number of trees as he was driving home from a night with friends. One of his hands was amputated.
As Zimbabwe remembers Sam Mtukudzi and other prominent figures lost in March, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. The commemoration at Pakare Paye Arts Centre will not only celebrate Sam’s musical legacy but also provide an opportunity for reflection and remembrance for all those who have experienced loss.
