‘National stepmother’ Daisy speaks on Selmor Mtukudzi drama

Legendary musician Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s widow, Daisy, says she is a victim of cyberbullying as people have been portraying her as a cruel stepmother to Selmor.

She opened up on Sunday night in response to her step-daughter, Selmor, who walked off the stage in the midst of her first song at the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.

Selmor stunned festival goers who braved the cold night after she ended her act, as soon as she started, despite having been given two hours of prime slot to perform.

Everyone else had been given just under an hour to perform.

Sandra Mtukudzi, who was sponsored by Daisy to fly all the way from the United Kingdom for the festival, failed to convince Selmor to finish her act. Sandra is Tuku’s eldest child and first born to Selmor’s mother.

Sandra’s efforts to calm Selmor Mtukudzi down failed.

To make matters worse, Selmor’s husband, Tendai Manatsa, also failed to convince his wife to continue.

He also walked off stage along with his wife as if nothing had happened.

Selmor was also included in the festival after a public outcry after she was omitted from the initial line-up.

Instead of utilising the platform to honour her loyal fans and late father, she did the unthinkable by walking off the stage.

In an interview with The Herald, Daisy said it was up to the world to judge her.

Also Read: No Selmor Mtukudzi, no show: Outrage over Selmor’s exclusion from tuku’s festival

“At least the world has witnessed all the drama. I know people will still attack me, but what have I done to deserve this embarrassment?

“We did our best to accommodate the entire team, but this drama was beyond my control.

“I will leave it to God and the world to judge us,” she said.

Besides all the drama, Daisy hailed various stakeholders who gave her a shoulder.

“Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed the festival as people came in numbers. The event was all about celebrating Tuku’s legacy and a life well-lived.

“It was not about Daisy or whoever, because we were commemorating an icon here.

“Of course, the drama occurred, but we were supposed to respect our legend,” she said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Virginia Mukwesha, who flew from Germany to witness the festival.

Mukwesha, who is the daughter of the late Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, was disappointed by Selmor’s conduct.

“I was shocked by her conduct because walking off the stage is a sign of disrespect. If she was not ready for the event, she should have stayed at home.

“The drama was too much because fans forked out their money to come and celebrate Tuku’s legacy,” she said.

Mukwesha said Selmor’s conduct was unacceptable considering that the world was watching her.

“Selmor was given the right platform to showcase her talent and prove her worth as a musician.

“Instead of celebrating her father’s legacy, she will now be remembered as a drama queen who spoiled the event.”

Meanwhile, the closing day was action-packed as the artistes performed to perfection.

Zimbabwe’s most touring group, Mokoomba was at their usual best.

US crooner Aaron Myers added an international flair to the event.

The group’s commitment was enough to prove that Tuku was indeed a global icon.

Resident singers Jay Watta and Tendai Mavengeni honoured the late Tuku with a polished show.

Songbird Tamy Moyo had a memorable outing at the event.

Backed by youthful and energetic dancers, Tamy made her job easier by playing sing-along tracks like “Kutera”, “Kwandinobva” and “Zviroto”.

Gemma Griffiths, Bryan K and Hope Masike provided variety at the show.

Pakare Paye products Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora, Sarungano and Donald Kanyuchi performed alongside the Black Spirits.

Jah Prayzah, who was mentored by the late Tuku, honoured his role model with a vintage performance.

A tried and tested performer, Jah Prayzah’s group complemented him well from start to finish.

He belted out the crowd’s favourite songs such as “Goto”, “Nyeredzi” and “Dzamutsana” among others. Like the proverbial wine maturing with age, Jah Prayzah nailed it as he was his usual best.

He also embraced Tuku’s widow after his main slot.

Daisy hailed the superstar for his humility and for honouring Tuku.

“He has been loyal to us over the years and words can’t thank him enough.

“We are glad that he has come and graced this occasion.

“He knows the value of this event and we are happy to be working with him in keeping our icon’s legacy,” she said.