By Staff Reporter
Norton – The bitter feud within the Mtukudzi family reached a new low during the inaugural Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.
Selmor Mtukudzi, the daughter of the late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi, abruptly ended her performance on stage amidst tears and visible distress.
The festival, a tribute to the legendary musician’s legacy, was marred by controversy and drama.
Selmor had initially been excluded from the lineup, sparking outrage among her fans who initially called for a boycott of the event.
In response to the public backlash, organizers relented and added her to the list of performing artists.
During her highly anticipated performance, Selmor emotionally opened up on stage about the anguish she has endured at the hands of her stepmother, Daisy Mtukudzi.
While singing her father’s poignant song, “Changu Chii,” Selmor seemed to be directly addressing Daisy, questioning her actions and demanding to know why she has been subjected to such mistreatment.
“I have always wanted to be on this stage.
“For seven years, I have longed to be here,” she said, visibly overwhelmed.
“I don’t know if the dead can hear us, but I want to thank my father for this facility.
“However, what he envisioned is not what is happening today,” she added.
Selmor’s heartfelt plea included: “When will you acknowledge me as Mtukudzi’s daughter?”
Before she ended her act prematurely, family friend and arts promoter Josphat Hozheri tried her best to convince Selmor to return to the stage in vain.
Her emotional performance underscored the familial rifts that have surfaced since her father’s passing on January 23, 2019.
Sources close to the Mtukudzi family indicated that Daisy had previously opposed Selmor’s plans to launch an album at Pakare Paya.
They urged Daisy to embrace Selmor, suggesting she has become the face of the Mtukudzi legacy since her father’s death.
“When they engaged her to perform, Selmor did not ask for money.
“In fact, she questioned when she had ever demanded payment for events meant to celebrate her father after issues of money were raised,” said the source.
“It is not a secret, Selmor is the only person who can take Pakare Paye to the next stage,” one source stated.
Concerns have been raised about the current state of Pakare Paya, with reports of declining operations and closed facilities.
“Selmor is right to say that what is happening is not her father’s wish. She knows exactly why she is saying that,” the source added.
“Relatives knew how Tuku wanted all his children together, at one point he organised a lunch for all of them. Those were his efforts to make things work.
“Tuku wanted a united family but this lady (Daisy) blocked him and now she thinks she can also block the kids from taking their fair share of the cake, no.
“Relatives have tried to intervene but she started accusing them of wanting Tuku’s property,” said the source.
Tensions within the Mtukudzi family reportedly remain high, further complicated by accusations surrounding the inheritance.
