Just ten months after a sensational fallout that saw tears and public protests, the sharp divisions within the Mtukudzi family are set to reignite as two separate events are planned to commemorate Tuku's legacy in September.

Echoes of Last Year's OMIFA Fallout

Last year, the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) was intended to unite the family in celebration. However, the two-day festival at Pakare Paye in Norton was marred by significant drama when Tuku's daughter, Selmor Mtukudzi, visibly distressed, walked off stage in tears after performing just one song. Her team later attributed her departure to being "overwhelmed by emotions."

Mtukudzi Family Drama Reignites

This incident dragged the family's internal divisions into the public spotlight, triggering a national debate and splitting public opinion, with some supporting Selmor and others aligning with Tuku’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi. Both Selmor and her sister Sandra subsequently aired their frustrations and more on DJ Ollah 7’s podcast, further publicizing the family's internal strife.

Parallel Commemorations Set for September

With the wounds evidently unhealed, the two prominent figures are now organizing separate events to honor Tuku, who passed away on January 23, 2019. Traditionally, January sees the Tuku Half Marathon and Wellness, while September is marked by posthumous celebrations of his life.

• OMIFA 2025: Daisy Mtukudzi confirmed that the official "OMIFA 2025" will proceed as planned on September 20. She stated, "We are proceeding with the programme as planned, on September 20, and this is the only way I can remember my late husband in the company of his fans. We have been busy with preparations despite a lack of funding and other challenges. Being an annual event, we want this occasion to serve its purpose for the benefit of all attendees. We will appreciate those who come to celebrate with us."
• "Tozeza Tuku Trail Run": Selmor Mtukudzi is organizing a parallel event titled "Tozeza Tuku Trail Run" scheduled for the very next day, September 21. This event is being managed by fitness trainer Evonne Mudzingwa, who previously managed the Tuku Half Marathon with Daisy's support. Mudzingwa confirmed her role as a service provider, clarifying, "This event has nothing to do with Daisy, it’s Selmor’s event where she is celebrating her father’s legacy." She teased fans about the event on July 6 via social media, explaining its concept: "TOZEZA TUKU TRAIL RUN brings back the OG obstacle challenge @ Lake Chivero, Norton... It is a celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi... honoring his birthday, aims to bring together music lovers, athletes and families to promote a healthy lifestyle, community engagement, and cultural heritage." "Tozeza Baba" was chosen as the theme song due to its message against gender-based violence, a cause Selmor is passionate about.

Mudzingwa expects over 500 runners to register for the trail run.

Daisy Mtukudzi's Stance: "Not There to Control Drama Queens and Kings"

When questioned about Selmor's parallel event, Daisy Mtukudzi expressed a desire to avoid further public controversy. "Well, I am not on social media but there are people who tell me all sorts of stories," she said. "I have heard about their event and the people behind it. I wouldn’t want to comment much on that because people will end up criticising me on social media, as was the case last year."

She further added, "As I said earlier, I don’t want to talk much about that because, to me, it’s just gossip. When it comes to drama queens and kings, I am not there to control them. A lot has happened and is in the public domain ever since Tuku’s death. I have learnt to ignore some of these lunatics."

Daisy concluded with a poignant reflection on Tuku’s ability to manage people: "I wish Tuku was here because he knew how to manage people. He had a special way of whipping people in line but now that he is gone, we can only celebrate his life. On that note, OMIFA 2025 is going ahead."

With two parallel events scheduled to celebrate the iconic Tuku on two consecutive days, public opinion is once again set to be sharply divided, signaling a new "season" of Mtukudzi family drama playing out in the public sphere.