The upcoming Tuku International Festival of Arts has sparked a heated debate on social media after Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the late legendary musician Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, was noticeably absent from the lineup.
The festival, scheduled for September 21 and 22, aims to honor Tuku’s legacy, but Selmor’s exclusion has raised eyebrows.
Fans and fellow artists have expressed outrage and disappointment, with some calling for a boycott of the festival. Selmor, who has been performing her father’s songs since his passing, seemed surprised by the snub. However, Tuku Music, the festival organizers, claimed they had invited her, sparking a war of words.
Selmor has since spoken out, saying she feels “disappointed and heartbroken” and appreciates the public’s support. “I feel I would appreciate some privacy at the moment, but above all, I want to thank you all for the support. I appreciate it,” she said.
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Daisy Mtukudzi, Tuku’s widow and Selmor’s stepmother, has dismissed assertions that Selmor was being treated like an outcast. “I don’t know what people want me to do for Selmor because she is not a minor anymore. She knows the right thing to do for the sake of protecting the family name,” she said.
Veteran entertainment journalist Mthandazo Dube has weighed in on the issue, saying Selmor should not play the victim card. “She has enough social capital to start her own festival. I don’t think that legally she can be stopped by anyone,” he said.
The controversy has highlighted the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of honoring a legend’s legacy. With the festival just days away, it remains to be seen how this will play out. Will Selmor take the stage, or will the controversy overshadow the celebration of Tuku’s life and music?
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