LATE Afrojazz legend and national hero Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy is reportedly broke and hawking Tuku’s property to sail through, iHarare has learnt.
Tuku died in January 2019 leaving behind an arts centre in Norton, Pakare Paye, that was built with a state-of-the-art studio, lodge, conference facility, a shop, restaurant and concert venue.
Zimbabwe Voice reports that Daisy is now broke and asset-stripping the arts centre.
This comes after Daisy last month told a State-owned newspaper that Tuku left her with no money.
“Residents of Norton might readily testify, in the few years Oliver Mtukudzi has been gone, Pakare Paye Arts Centre is no longer the same. Each passing day it is losing its lustre – loc
ked gates, unkempt grounds and an eerie silence,” said Garikai Mazara, an award-winning arts journalist
Daisy is also reportedly selling some of the cars Tuku left behind, including the Discovery 4 personalised in his name.
It is reported that a source close to Daisy Mtukudzi said some Zimbabweans had approached her (Daisy) with offers to help spruce up the late Tuku’s legacy but were turned away as she made unreasonable demands.
“Daisy cannot be helped. A Harare prominent car dealer who was friends with Tuku asked to organize a virtual memorial for the departed hero, but Daisy made some unreasonable financial demands as if she was a band leader and performer,” said a source.
Further allegations are that, unlike Tuku, Daisy also demanded that some musicians be blocked from performing at the gig.
The publication also reported that when Daisy was reached for a comment on the matter, a person who answered her phone refused to confirm if she was Daisy.
“It doesn’t matter who I am. What matters is for you to let Tuku rest in peace,” said the call respondent.-iharare
