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Godwin Muzari : Arts Editor

Oliver Mtukudzi’s performance at Robert Mugabe Square during the Million Man March event on Wednesday was met with mixed feelings with some misguided critics arguing he was not supposed to be part of the event. The usual doomsayers declared that Tuku’s career is under threat because he has become a political musician.Tuku has never publicly declared his political affiliation and has performed at events across political divides over the years.

It is surprising that people are making noise about his performance at the event when he has always offered his services at various gatherings regardless of political links.

He has performed at state galas that many have always associated with Zanu PF and he has also strummed his guitar at various functions involving the First Family.

His former publicist Shepherd Mutamba wrote in the book “Tuku Backstage” that the musician has performed at various private functions organised by the First lady in Mazowe and there is absolutely nothing wrong about it.

Tuku performed at Morgan Tsvangirai’s wedding and many other functions aligned to MDC-T. Tsvangirai personally went to pay condolences to Mtukudzi after the death of his son Sam and President Mugabe also sent a passionate statement consoling the musician.

Tuku has been involved with party leaders and supporters and has always declared he is apolitical. As a citizen of this country, the musician has a right to support a political party of his choice, but when it comes to music, he has chosen to unselectively entertain fans from various backgrounds.

It does not make sense for some critics to question Tuku’s involvement with the Million Man March. He simply did what he always does. He went to entertain at a public gathering and indeed brought exciting moments to hundreds of thousands of people that thronged Robert Mugabe Square.

VIPs at the event and ordinary attendees took to the dance floor when Tuku belted his songs. That was the whole idea of his invitation to the historic event.

Fans that attend Tuku’s shows every week come from different political backgrounds and it means he has fans across the divides.

Why then make political statements about his Wednesday performance when he has fans in all political parties? He went to Robert Mugabe Square to entertain some of his fans that either attend his shows or play his music in their homes and at various gatherings.

The Million Man March was meant to show solidarity with President Mugabe and there is no reason why Tuku should not put his weight behind an event to celebrate the President of his country. Tuku has not decided to be like other musicians that seek sympathy and international limelight through political activism.

He has chosen to be an entertainer who delivers his role in the society through singing about social issues.

Many musicians, despite political affiliation, have performed at events to celebrate President Mugabe’s life through the 21st February Movement Gala and the events have been attended by music fans from various parties.

Asking why Tuku performed during the Million Man March is like questioning why Dynamos, Caps United or Highlanders took part in the Bob Super Cup tournament that is held annually to celebrate the President’s birthday.

The President has always shown his appreciation to outstanding musicians and sports people without questioning their political affiliation.

He has personally congratulated sports-persons like Kirsty Coventry, Stephen Muzhingi and Charles Manyuchi after their successful international performances and he also hosted former Big Brother Africa housemate Munya Chidzonga.

These people’s political views were never considered and no one asked why they had agreed to be hosted at State House.

Tuku has not done anything wrong and those questioning his decision do not know why he is a musician. He has always done what he did on Wednesday.