10 Things You Didn’t Know About Oliver Mtukudzi

Oliver Mtukudzi has made his mark throughout the world and has put traditional African music on the map. He has managed to use his music to educate people about issues like HIV/AIDS and domestic violence. He has helped put Africa on the map in terms of performing arts. With an unbelievable consistency and a lot of achievements, there’s a lot you still don’t know about this African Legend.

Here are things you might still don’t know about Oliver Mtukudzi

1. Has been producing and releasing music since 1978 and has contributed to the World Music Network.

2. Won M-net’s best soundtrack for Neria in 1992, in which he also starred in the movie.

3. Was nominated for best Traditional Album DVD Africa (Cape Town Jazz Festival) at the SAMA 2002 and in 2010 SAMA recognized his son’s (Sam Mtukudzi died in March 2010) achievements in music.

4. Oliver was the cultural ambassador for Zimbabwean Tourism Association in 2007.

5. He received an honorary degree from the University of Zimbabwe in December 2003.

6. He won the KORA award for lifetime achievement which celebrates Sub-Saharan African artists.

7. In 2011 he became the first Zimbabwean to be the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF for Eastern and Southern Africa.

8. He was the earliest Zimbabwean artist to be informed about HIV/AIDS by WHO.

9. Won best African Language award at the Reel Awards now known as the Chanel O Music Video Awards in 2003.

10. In 2011 he was honored by the government of Italy with the prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit Award (similar to England’s Knighthood) in recognition of his work as an international artist.