Cape Town – The Cape Town International Jazz Festival will honour the late jazz icon Oliver Mtukudzi, who was set to be a headline act at this year's festival.
The 66-year-old died yesterday on the same day as Hugh Masekela, who died a year ago.
ESP Afrika chief operating officer Billy Domingo said: “No one will go on (in his) slot, we will dedicate it in his memory. This is such sad news. This is the 50th year doing shows and we're coming to a weird (place) where everyone you want to work with is passing on.
"He has such a special slot in the music of this country, he is irreplaceable.
“He was an incredible musician and will not only be missed by me, but by lots and lots of people. We have wanted to do something with him for years and it has taken so long.”
Domingo said since Mtukudzi invited Vusi Mahlasela to play with him as a special guest, he would let Mahlasela take the stage in his honour.
With over 60 albums Mtukudzi, also known as “Tuku”, was not only a singer-songwriter but also an activist, Unicef goodwill ambassador for the southern African region and an entrepreneur.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said: “A giant of African music has fallen with the passing of a legendary musician, the one and only Oliver Mtukudzi.
"From the depths of Harare his career blossomed like the flame lily flower and his artistic genius brought us together in good times and gave us hope during our darkest hour.”
Mtukudzi was a trending topic on Twitter yesterday and by 7pm there were over 20 000 messages in his honour.
Musician Thandiswa Mazwai said: “Tuku, rest in peace. To a most humble and incredible musician whose music was universally loved it's almost a cruel joke as we commemorate a year of Bra Hugh’s passing.”
Rapper Lesego Moiloa, better known by his stage name Blaklez, said: “Thank you for the music ntate Oliver Mtukudzi. When you get to heaven, please play my mother Raki. It was her favourite song by you. Rest in perfect harmony.”