One of Africa's most renowned musicians, Mtukudzi's lyrics often carried social messages about HIV/AIDS and politics.
Tributes are flowing for Zimbabwean musician Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, a star of Afro-jazz who won a following across Africa and beyond after he died on Wednesday aged 66.
According to various local media reports, the self-taught guitarist passed away at a hospital in Harare, succumbing to diabetes complications.
A legend in the vibrant cross-genre music of Afro-jazz, Mtukudzi released 66 albums in a career that spanned 45 years.
 |
| Tributes Pour In For Zimbabwean Afro-Jazz Legend Oliver Mtukudzi. |
He was rated by Forbes magazine as one of Africa's 10 most bankable artists and some experts ranked him alongside Senegal's Salif Keita and Youssou N'Dour for his innovation and influence.
His lyrics, delivered through rasping vocals, often carried social messages about HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse and encouraging self-respect, sometimes invoking proverbs and wisdom from his mother tongue, Shona.
"Today we said goodbye to a true patriot. Oliver Mtukudzi, your voice has given us comfort during difficult times, and will remain with us for posterity," President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote on Twitter.
