The Life and Music of Oliver Mtukudzi : Reconstruction and Identity

This book is a critical reflection on the life and career of the late legendary Zimbabwean music icon, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, and his contribution towards the reconstruction of Zimbabwe, Africa and the globe at large. Mtukudzi was a musician, philosopher, and human rights activist who espoused the agenda of reconstruction in order to bring about a better world, proposing personal, cultural, political, religious and global reconstruction. With twenty original chapters, this vibrant volume examines various themes and dimensions of Mtukudzi's distinguished life and career, notably, how his music has been a powerful vehicle for societal reconstruction and cultural rejuvenation, specifically speaking to issues of culture, human rights, governance, peacebuilding, religion and identity, humanism, gender and politics, among others. The contributors explore the art of performance in Mtukudzi's music and acting career, and how this facilitated his reconstruction agenda, offering fresh and compelling perspectives into the role of performing artists and cultural workers such as Mtukudzi in presenting models for reconstructing the world. Ezra Chitando (PhD) is Professor of Religion in the Department of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at the University of Zimbabwe, and Theology Consultant on HIV and AIDS for the World Council of Churches. He researches and publishes on music, religion and culture. He is the author of Sounds of Life: Music, Identity and Politics in Zimbabwe, (2016, co-edited with Mangena and Muwati), along with numerous other publications. Pauline Mateveke (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Language, Literature and Culture at the University of Zimbabwe. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in English specialising in Gender, Literature and Music. Her research interests include popular culture and literature, gender studies and literary criticism. Munyaradzi Nyakudya (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History, Heritage and Knowledge Systems at the University of Zimbabwe. He researches on the socio-political and economic history of African societies, with a special passion for ethnomusicology, peace and security studies; education, democratization and sustainable livelihoods. Bridget Chinouriri (PhD) is a Zimbabwean ethnomusicologist, creative writer, culture consultant and scientist and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Creative Media and Communications, University of Zimbabwe Contents Notes on Contributors Chapter 1: Reconstruction, Music and Identity: Oliver Mtukudzi Introduction Reconstruction: An Overview Multi-layered Reconstruction: Oliver Mtukudzi’s Contribution Personal Reconstruction Cultures Born Again: Mtukudzi and Cultural Reconstruction Resisting Cultural Inferiority as Nurtured by Colonialism “Our Colour Is Black, My Son”: Mtukudzi, Black Pride and Identity Holistic Liberation and Creating a New World Order: Mtukudzi and Marginalized Categories Reconstructing Religion Mtukudzi and Global Reforms Chapters in This Volume Conclusion References Chapter 2: “Nhai Varume, Tapindwa Nei?” (Men, What Has Entered into Us?): Oliver Mtukudzi and the Complexities of Transformative Masculinities Introduction “Tapindwa Nei?” (What Has Entered into Us?): Mtukudzi Challenges Men to Stop Violence Against Women Mtukudzi in the Context of Transformative Masculinities Mtukudzi and the Promises of Transformative Masculinities Re-creating New Men: Mtukudzi and the Yields of Transformative Masculinities Can Men Change? Mtukudzi and the Challenges of Transformative Masculinities Conclusion References Chapter 3: Music as Pedagogy: The Life, Times, and Music of Oliver Mtukudzi Introduction Theorizing Knowledge Production and Dissemination in Africa Recuperation of Indigenous Knowledge Production Systems Through Music Metaphors, Proverbs, and Folktales Creating Knowledge Through a Dialogic and Reconstructive Pedagogy Conclusion References Chapter 4: Song as Matrix of Parrēsia: Mtukudzi and the Quest for Truth and Democratic Ethos in Society Introduction Tuku in the Contemporary Zimbabwean Cultural and Intellectual Context Tuku the Parrhesiast: The Quest for Philosophical, Moral, and Spiritual Wholeness The ‘Post-facto’ Nature of Mtukudzi’s Music When a Song Declares a Life of Its Own Conclusion References Chapter 5: ‘Looking for the Join’: Tuku Music as a Marker of Post-colonial White Zimbabwean Identity Introduction Theoretical Framework Zimbabwean Whiteness Studies Music and Identity Looking Back: Whiteness and Coming of Age in the Late 1990s Limits to Belonging: Of Lyrics and Language Transitions: On Leaving and Racialized Narratives of Loss Into the Present: Music as Mediator in the Diaspora Conclusion References Chapter 6: Mtukudzi: The (Re)constructor Who Makes Others Rich? Introduction Conceptual Discourse: Personal Naming in Africa The Descriptive Backing of the Anthroponom ‘Mtukudzi’ Reconstructing and Enriching Through Acting in Films Reconstructing and Enriching Through Musical Collaborations Enriching Through Advertisements Revolution Through Philosophy: Mtukudzi and Human Rights Enriching Attestations and Ambassadorship Conclusion References Chapter 7: The Indispensability of One’s Culture: Lessons from Oliver Mtukudzi’s Songs Introduction Culture and Cultural Diversity Lessons from Oliver Mtukudzi Tsika Dzedu, 1999 Ndagarwa Nhaka, and Sandi Bonde, 2000 Chengetai, 2001 Dzoka Uyamwe, 1998 Nyanga yeNzou, 2009 Conclusion References Internet Chapter 8: Oliver Mtukudzi as a Cultural Activist: Exploring Africanity in Tuku Music Introduction Methodology and Theoretical Framework Reconnecting the Disconnected: Cultural Reclamation in Tsika Dzedu The Marriage Institution in Mwana Wamambo (The Prince/Princess) Conclusion References Chapter 9: Oliver Mtukudzi: Singing for Harmony to Reconstruct and Heal Our Land Introduction Discourse Analysis and Tuku’s Lyrics Mtukudzi, Living Through His Music Singing from the Heart for Harmony Invoking Nature in Our Livelihood Conclusion References Chapter 10: ‘Sandi bonde’: An Indigenous Knowledge Systems Perspective on Oliver Mtukudzi’s Reconstruction Music Introduction Methodology and Theoretical Framework Music as Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Counting the Losses Social Ramifications Political Orientation Religio-Cultural Gains Oliver Mtukudzi’s Music Sandi bonde: The Context Mtukudzi’s Music: Changing Perspectives Mtukudzi: A Living Legacy! Conclusion References Chapter 11: Oliver Mtukudzi and the Call for the Reconstruction of the Lives of Orphans and Children on the Streets Introduction Challenges That Threaten Viable Childhood in Zimbabwe HIV/AIDS and Orphanhood The Experiences of Virtual Double Orphanhood The Differential Treatment of Orphans Dropping Out of School and Orphanhood Orphanhood and Child Abuse Street Childhood and Searching for Family Members and Relatives Mtukudzi and the Reconstruction of Childhood in Zimbabwe Conclusion References Chapter 12: Reconstruction and Subversion: An Evaluation of Oliver Mtukudzi’s Tactical Praxis Introduction Proverbs, Wise Sayings, and the Legitimacy of Criticism Jakwara as Formal Context for Bembera (Veiled Accusations) Mtukudzi and the Call to Critique Bad Behavior Dzandimomotera, Wasakara, Pindirai, and Their Contexts Conclusion References Chapter 13: Reading the Political Metaphor: Oliver Mtukudzi’s ‘Wasakara’ and ‘Ngoromera’: Calling for Cultures of Peace in Africa Introduction Protest Music in Zimbabwe Theoretical Framework Analysis Political Careerism: ‘Wasakara’ State-Sponsored Political Violence Conclusion References Chapter 14: Tuku, the Political Philosopher King on the Past, Present and Future Introduction Background The Philosopher King Tuku and the Liberation Struggle The Subtle Politics in Tuku’s Music Bvuma (Tolerance) and Wasakara Tuku on Tyranny and Misgovernance Tuku, Political Violence and Conflicts Women’s Rights Debate Surrounding Tuku’s Approach Conclusion References Chapter 15: Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi: Celebrating the Spirituality of Indigenous Africans Through Music Introduction Methodological Approach Religion and Spirituality Tuku Music and Indigenous African Spirituality Death and the Dead Burial Rituals in Indigenous African Spirituality Health and Well-Being in Tuku Music Mtukudzi on Industriousness/Hard Work Mtukudzi on Unity and Harmony Conclusion References Chapter 16: Music the Religion, Musicians the Priests and the People the Congregants: The Music of Oliver Mtukudzi Introduction Music as ‘Religion’ Musicians as Priests and Their Congregants the People Mtukudzi’s Reformist Religious Music Conclusion References Chapter 17: Oliver Mtukudzi’s Religious Reconstruction and His Contribution to the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Introduction Methodology Theoretical Framework Who Becomes a National Hero? Locating Oliver Mtukudzi in the Debate on National Heroes in Zimbabwe Mtukudzi’s Religious Reconstruction Reconstructing Oliver Mtukudzi’s Religious Life Mtukudzi’s Contribution to the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe A Reconstructed Religious Life and the Philosophy of Reconstruction Conclusion References Chapter 18: Composition, Performance and Reception: Interrogating the Global Appeal of Oliver Mtukudzi Introduction Review of Literature Personality, Humanity and Influence in the Service of Country, Continent and World Revalorizing African and Zimbabwean Cultures Within the Global Space Recreative Performance: Magnetic, Spontaneous and Versatile Reception of Tuku Music Conclusion References Chapter 19: Breaking Boundaries, Transcending Differences: An Intercultural Reading of Oliver Mtukudzi’s Collaborative Musical Productions Introduction Theorizing Musical Collaborations and Interculturality Analysing Tuku’s Collaborative Musical Productions “Hello My Baby” ft. Ladysmith Black Mambazo “Into Yami” (ft Ringo Madlingozi) “Neria” (ft Joss Stone) “Siyana Naye” (ft Shabalala Rhythms) Conclusion References Chapter 20: Reconstructing the Global Order Through Ubuntu: The Ethical Insights in Sekuru (Grandpa) Tuku Music Introduction Contextualizing Ethics and Unhu/Ubuntu Music, Unhu/Ubuntu, Ethics Tuku’s Music, Insights, Global Order Reconstruction and Unhu/Ubuntu Conclusion References Index