THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has implored the government to honour Oliver Mtukudzi with a diplomatic passport in recognition of his outstanding contribution’s as the country’s cultural ambassador and passionate developer of local arts.
Godwin Muzari
Speaking at a tribute dinner hosted for Mtukudzi by FBC Bank at Rainbow Towers Hotel on Thursday, NACZ director Elvas Mari said the widely-travelled musician’s immense contribution to the country’s cultural tourism deserved high-level recognition from the government.
“May I sincerely ask government ministers here present and the permanent secretary in our ministry (Sports, Arts and Culture) to take this message forward,” Mari said.
“I know our permanent secretary (Dr Thokozile Chitepo) understands what I want to say more because she was the chairperson of our (NACZ) board before assuming her current role.
“This man (Mtukudzi) has done a lot for our country. He has represented us extremely well on the international scene. He deserves serious recognition from the government. Our wish as an arts council is that he might be rewarded with a diplomatic passport.”
A diplomatic passport is a special travelling document issued to foreign service officials and their families for use on foreign assignments. It can also be issued to individuals conducting activities of high national value internationally.
In 2009 President Robert Mugabe rewarded athlete Kirsty Coventry with a diplomatic passport for her consistent outstanding performance at the Olympics.
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Mari said Mtukudzi should be respected wherever he goes because he has made the country proud.
“Thank you Oliver for making NACZ proud. Thank you for making the nation proud. It is an honour to work with you.”
Many other speakers at the dinner described Mtukudzi as an icon and applauded FBC Bank for honouring the music legend in a big way. The musician thanked audiences at the dinner for honouring him while he is still alive.
“We are used to showering praises at people when they are dead,” Mtukudzi said.
“Thank you very much FBC for fighting this spirit of honouring people when they are dead. This event is like a party, but I take it as a lesson. I have learnt that we can only improve when we appreciate ourselves and throw away jealous.
“We should all understand that a neighbour’s success is our success. We have to be humble because humbleness brings success.” Mtukudzi thanked his wife Daisy for supporting him in all his endeavours.
“I do not keep her behind me, but she is always beside me. Thank you for reminding me to carry on.”
Local and foreign musicians, politicians, businesspeople, music promoters and representatives from various embassies and non-governmental organisations attended the dinner, which was part of Mtukudzi’s 61st birthday celebrations.
