LAST year it was Selmor’s tears and theatrics, which included her decision to storm off the stage in protest, and dragged the sharp divisions, still tearing apart the family of Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, into the public spotlight.
It triggered a national debate and split public opinion with some throwing their support behind Selmor and others throwing their support behind Tuku’s widow Daisy.
The sensational fallout happened on an occasion when Tuku’s family was supposed to be united as it celebrated the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), which attracted a substantial crowd, at Pakare Paye in Norton.
Selmor and Sandra ended up pouring all their frustrations, and a whole lot more, on DJ Ollah 7’s podcast.
Now, 10 months after that dramatic fallout played out in the public eye, the wounds have not healed and the two parties will stage separate events, on two different days, in September.
Tuku died on January 23, 2019.
Every January, the Tuku Half Marathon and Wellness is held while September is also marked by posthumous celebrations of the day he died.and Sandra ended up pouring all their frustrations, and a whole lot more, on DJ Ollah 7’s podcast.
Now, 10 months after that dramatic fallout played out in the public eye, the wounds have not healed and the two parties will stage separate events, on two different days, in September.
Tuku died on January 23, 2019.
Every January, the Tuku Half Marathon and Wellness is held while September is also marked by posthumous celebrations of the day he died.on September 22, 2019.
Last year, the family introduced the OMIFA.
However, the two-day festival was marred by drama when Selmor walked off the stage, in tears, after just one song.
Her team said she stormed off the stage because she was overwhelmed by emotions.
This year, OMIFA 25 will return on September 20.is organising a parallel event titled “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run” the following day. Selmor’s event is being managed by Evonne Mudzingwa, who also used to manage the Tuku Half Marathon, with the support of Daisy.
In an interview, Daisy said she was moving forward with preparations for OMIFA 2025.
“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 if she was aware of another event being organised by Selmor and fitness trainer Mudzingwa, she replied:
“Well, I am not on social media but there are people who tell me all sorts of storiesI 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.”
Contacted for comment, Mudzingwa said she was only 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 some of their expectations.
“Registration is still in progress and we are expecting over 500 runners.”
On July 6, Mudzingwa teased fans when she announced the “Tozeza Tuku Trail Run,” via her social media account.She also explained their concept in the post.
“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, on two consecutive days, scheduled to celebrate Tuku, opinions are once again going to be divided.
