Remembering Samson Mtukudzi: 15 Years On

On March 15, 2025, the music fraternity will mark 15 years since the tragic passing of Samson Mtukudzi.

Sam lost his life in a road accident along with his confidante and sound engineer, Owen Chimhare. His memory remains vivid among his fellow musicians and fans, who continue to celebrate his impact on Zimbabwean music.

His life, much like a candle in the wind, was abruptly extinguished by fate. The loss continues to resonate, particularly within his family, who are still grappling with the grief of his untimely passing. His father, the legendary Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, endured years of pain following the death of his son, who was only 21 at the time and passionately navigating the music landscape.

Despite his absence, Sam’s music continues to enchant listeners, with some tracks seemingly predicting his own fate.

On April 5, his legacy will be commemorated through song and dance at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, Mashonaland West province. This celebration serves as a reminder of Sam’s enduring influence and the profound impact he made during his brief yet vibrant life.

With the nation set to celebrate its 45th Uhuru holiday next month, Sam’s commemoration will act as a precursor to the main event on April 18, particularly for the youth. His 15th anniversary is significant, as the versatile crooner left a lasting mark on the industry.

Fellow musicians of his generation are set to perform at the event, including Agga Nyabinde, Tamy Moyo, Bernard Betera, Watson “Jay Watta” Chidzomba, Sarungano, Donald Kanyuchi, Chiedza Chevatendi, Esau, and Tendai Macheso, who fronts Cheso Boys.

Judging by the lineup, fans are in for a real treat, as most of these artists have excelled in their own capacities. Agga Nyabinde, mentored by the late national hero Tuku, noted that it was an honour to perform at Sam’s 15th anniversary.

“As Agga Nyabinde and 2 Nice Band, I promise a sterling performance in honour of the late Sam Mtukudzi and his father as well. We are going to give our best performance and make sure we do what Sam always wanted to do. I learnt a lot from the late Sam Mtukudzi because, being a son of a legend himself, he could play Tuku’s music, but he expressed himself in his own way,” he said.

Agga, who has been in the industry for over a decade, praised Sam for his originality.

“You could listen to his music and say, ‘This sounds like Tuku music,’ but it’s different. Sam was being Sam; he was not imitating Oliver Mtukudzi, and I appreciate that from him. He also taught us that as youngsters, we can do music and be responsible people,” he emphasized.

Agga, who also serves as an arts administrator with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), urged fans to attend the event in large numbers.

“We need to celebrate each other even after losing each other to death. Sam was a promising lad who had potential, and we can only celebrate his music now. I urge fans to show up in numbers as we honour him. It’s 15 years gone by, and it feels like yesterday because time is flying,” he added.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Jay Watta, a resident artist at Pakare Paye.

“I knew Sam very well because we grew up together in Norton and learned to play music at Pakare Paye Arts Centre. I once worked with him in his band, and I can simply say he was way ahead of his time. His maturity and songwriting skills made him a cut above the rest,” he said.

He reminisced about their musical journey and the special bond they shared.

“Besides being a son of a music legend, Sam was humble, and he would reduce himself to our level. We never had fights with him because he was a natural leader who prioritized his work first. We have a lot of good memories during live shows, and we embarked on this peak,” he recalled.

Jay Watta admitted that accepting Sam’s death was difficult.

“The memories are still fresh because we were close and belonged to the same generation. There are times I miss him a lot, and it’s hard to believe it’s now 15 years after his death. I wish him well wherever he is right now, and we can only learn from his legacy,” he said.

Jay Watta, who has settled well at Pakare Paye, encouraged fans to attend the commemoration in large numbers.

“Such commemorations call for a collective hand, and we urge fans to show up in numbers. I am ready for the event, and it will be a day to remember for all those who followed his music,” he emphasized.

Sam passed away in 2010 at his peak and was laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare.

In 2019, his father Oliver Mtukudzi succumbed to diabetes complications at the age of 66. He was declared a national hero and buried at his homestead in Madziva, Mashonaland Central province.

The loss of Sam and his father left a void that is hard to fill, but their legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.