Kusvika Rinhi: Selmor Mtukudzi breaks down, walks off stage at the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival

Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the late Zimbabwean music icon Oliver Mtukudzi, recently experienced an emotional moment during her performance at the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival, prompting her to walk off stage.

The event, held in honor of her father’s legacy, drew fans and musicians from across the region to celebrate his profound influence on Zimbabwean music and culture.

As Selmor took to the stage, she was greeted by a passionate crowd eager to hear her renditions of her father’s classics. The festival aims to keep the spirit of Mtukudzi alive, showcasing not only his music but also the impact he had on many artists, particularly his own daughter. Selmor has often expressed how her father’s guidance shaped her musical journey, and the audience was keen to witness this special tribute.

However, as she began to sing one of her father’s beloved songs, the emotional weight of the occasion became overwhelming. Selmor’s voice trembled, and she struggled to maintain composure as the memories of her father flooded back. “Kusvika rinhi?” she exclaimed, a poignant question that resonated with many in attendance. The phrase translates to “Until when?” reflecting her grief and longing for her father, who passed away in January 2019.

The atmosphere in the venue shifted dramatically as Selmor’s emotional state became apparent. Fans, initially excited, began to empathize with her struggle. Tears streamed down her face, and despite her best efforts to continue, the weight of her loss proved too much. After a brief attempt to regain her composure, she made the difficult decision to walk off stage, leaving the audience in stunned silence.

The moment highlighted not only Selmor’s profound love for her father but also the heavy burden of carrying on his legacy. Many in the audience understood the depth of her connection to Mtukudzi’s music and the pressure that comes with being the child of a legend. As she exited, whispers of support and encouragement filled the air, underscoring the community’s shared respect for her vulnerability.

Fans shared their thoughts on social media, praising Selmor for her authenticity. One fan tweeted, “It’s okay to cry, Selmor. Your father’s legacy lives on through you, and we’re here for you.” The emotional connection between Selmor and her audience was palpable, with many expressing that they too felt the loss of Oliver Mtukudzi.

The festival continued after Selmor’s departure, featuring performances from several local artists who also paid tribute to the late musician. They sang his classics and shared personal stories about how Mtukudzi had influenced their careers. Each performance was a testament to the impact he had on the music scene in Zimbabwe and beyond. Nevertheless, the day’s events underscored the reality that grief doesn’t follow a schedule and can surface in unexpected ways, even in celebratory settings.

Later, Selmor released a statement on her social media, expressing her gratitude for the support she received during the festival. “Thank you for understanding that my heart is still healing. My father was my everything, and moments like these remind me of how much I miss him,” she wrote. The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, with many encouraging her to take her time in processing her emotions.

The Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival is designed to be a celebration of music, but Selmor’s moment of vulnerability served as a reminder that grief is a part of the human experience. As the festival continued, the audience collectively honored the memory of Oliver Mtukudzi, not only through song but also by recognizing the personal journeys of those he left behind.

In the end, Selmor’s walk off stage became a defining moment of the festival, showcasing the deep emotional ties to her father’s legacy and the communal spirit of support among fans. It illustrated that music is not just about performance; it’s also about connection, memory, and the love that endures even in the face of loss. As the festival wrapped up, many left with a renewed appreciation for both the music of Oliver Mtukudzi and the ongoing journey of his daughter, Selmor, as she navigates her own path in a world forever changed by her father’s absence.