Review: Selmor Mutukudzi’s Kugara Namainini a heartfelt plea for empathy

By Marshall Bwanya

Harare – Selmor Mtukudzi, the talented daughter of the late legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi, has released a powerful emotionally charged new single titled Kugara Namainini (Living with the Stepmother).

The song poignantly addresses the heartbreaking experiences of alleged child abuse endured by Selmor and her sister, Sandra, at the hands of their stepmother, Daisy.

Through its evocative lyrics, Selmor recounts the emotional and physical hardships faced during their time living with their father’s second wife, igniting public discourse on the often-overlooked social issues within blended families.

The accompanying music video, directed by @NaxoFilms, vividly depicts Selmor and Sandra’s abuse, neglect, and isolation during their father’s absence on tour.

“My parents divorced when I was young, and I initially lived with my mother,” Selmor sings.

“Later, my father asked for custody, saying he wanted to take care of his children.

“Unfortunately, my time with my stepmother was incredibly difficult,” Selmor sings in the emotionally charged song.

Last month, the bitter feud within the Mtukudzi family reached a new low during the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.

Selmor abruptly ended her performance on stage amidst tears and visible distress, casting a pall over the event, which was a tribute to her late father’s legendary legacy.

Initially excluded from the lineup, Selmor’s fans had threatened to boycott the festival, prompting organizers to relent and add her to the list of performing artists.

The festival’s tensions mirrored the ongoing family drama, as Selmor and Sandra, went on to open the lid on their harrowing childhood experiences in a recent interview with DJ Ollah 7.

The siblings described a pattern of neglect, abuse, and favoritism within the Tuku household, which they attributed to Daisy.

Selmor’s music video single Kugara Namainini serves as a stark contrast, highlighting the loving father figure Oliver Mtukudzi was to his children and the alleged insidious cruelty of Daisy.

Despite Mtukudzi’s efforts to provide a safe and nurturing environment, Daisy’s alleged manipulative behavior undermined his intentions.

One poignant scene shows Mtukudzi giving Selmor pocket money before leaving for a tour.

As soon as his car disappears, Daisy cruelly confiscates the money, revealing her true intentions.

Another striking moment illustrates Selmor’s struggles: she is forced to do all the housework, denied proper meals, and relegated to sleeping with the maids, while her stepmother’s favored children enjoy privileges.

“I often shared sadza with the dog,” Selmor sings.

“The other children had their own rooms, but I was forced to sleep with the maids.”

The song has resonated deeply with listeners, sparking discussions about the prevalence of child abuse and the urgent need to protect children from harmful environments.

Kugara Namainini is not a plea for sympathy but a profound exploration of the complexities of child abuse within blended families.

Selmor’s heartfelt ballad serves as a powerful platform for healing and raising awareness about the devastating impact of such experiences.

While her own journey is undoubtedly painful, Selmor’s music encourages empathy and understanding, urging listeners to reflect on the importance of safeguarding children.

Ultimately, Selmor’s story in Kugara Namainini stands as a testament to her strength and resilience, offering hope for survivors of child abuse.

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