Bongo Maffin Celebrates Tuku’s Legacy
South African music collective Bongo Maffin will headline this year’s Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), an event dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of one of Zimbabwe’s most influential musicians.
The event will be held on 19 and 20 September at Pakare Paye Arts Center in Norton.
For the group, which features Zimbabwean-born Jah Seed alongside Thandiswa Mazwai, Stoan Seate and Speedy, the occasion represents both a homecoming and a recognition of their own lasting impact on the African music landscape.
“Bongo Maffin headlining this festival is personally beyond my imagination,” Jah Seed said. “As a Zimbabwean-born artist, it is a special honour to celebrate a legend like Oliver Mtukudzi, one of the figures who carried our music and culture from the 70s to the new millennium. It’s humbling to be invited to be part of such a prestigious event.”
Honouring Tuku’s Enduring Legacy
Oliver Mtukudzi, affectionately known as “Tuku,” was more than just a musician. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he produced 67 albums and created a distinct sound known as “Tuku Music,” blending traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with contemporary influences.
His music carried strong social messages, speaking to love, resilience, and everyday struggles.
Mtukudzi, who died in 2019, remains one of Africa’s most revered cultural ambassadors. OMIFA was launched to keep his spirit alive through music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, while also nurturing young talent.
“Oliver was a storyteller, a cultural custodian, and an international icon,” said one festival organiser. “OMIFA is not only about honouring his legacy, but also about inspiring future generations to take Zimbabwean art to the world.”
Bongo Maffin: Standing the Test of Time
Since forming in the mid-1990s, Bongo Maffin have been pioneers of Kwaito, a genre born in South Africa’s townships that mixes house, reggae, and African rhythms. Their hits, including “Thath’isigubhu” and “The Way Kungakhona”, made them household names across the continent.
The group credits their longevity to timeless songwriting and the ability to evolve with the times.
“Change is the only constant,” Jah Seed explained. “We’ve been able to adapt while still holding onto the themes that matter – love, resistance, self-awareness, and where we come from. That’s what keeps our music alive.”
Bongo Maffin are also set to feature on the Thebe Legend Tour, a celebration of fellow Kwaito pioneer Thebe, while hinting at new material of their own. “We’re not young anymore, but music keeps pulling us back. Fans can expect one or two new tracks, if not an album.”
Festival as a Cultural Showcase
The Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts has quickly become one of the most significant cultural gatherings in Zimbabwe.
This year’s edition is expected to feature a diverse programme of performances, workshops, and exhibitions, reflecting Tuku’s belief in the unifying power of art.
Past editions have included tributes by musicians such as Mbeu, Hope Masike, and contemporary dance ensembles that interpret his music in new forms.
For many fans, OMIFA is more than a festival – it is a chance to reconnect with Tuku’s music and values.
A Message to the Fans
As anticipation builds, Bongo Maffin expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported them over the decades.
“To the Bongo Maffin fans, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Jah Seed said.
“When we started, we challenged ourselves to believe we could do this. To now be invited to honour one of the artists who inspired us – it’s out of this world.”
With the festival promising vibrant performances, powerful tributes, and a celebration of African creativity, OMIFA is set to once again highlight Zimbabwe’s place on the global cultural map.
