Rest in peace Sam Mtukudzi
That was the simple status update that one of my friends posted on his Facebook profile.
And that’s when the frenzied Google search for more information began. Could Sam, the exuberant, all-conquering son of the great Oliver Mtukudzi, really be dead just a few short weeks from his 22nd birthday?
I often saw Sam at the Book Café in Harare. Sometimes he played his guitar and sang a few songs – and other times, he just hung around to listen to whatever entertainment was going on.
Admittedly, I never spoke to him, but the great potential coursing through his being was always palpable, always on the verge of eruption.
One Friday night, he held a concert in the very same Book Café. Every tile of the floor was teaming with feet dancing and throbbing to his beat. Every few moments, he bobbed his head back and forth – much like his father does when he becomes immersed in his performance. A look of enjoyment and concentration coloured his face.
I remember lots of swaying, sweat and sing-alongs to each word he amplified through the microphone. I remember that night because I felt release and exhilaration.
Oliver Mtukudzi once sang a song entitled ‘Tiri Mubindu’ (We are in a garden) that describes us all as being flowers in a garden. Translated from Shona, his words state the following:
A beautiful flower does not survive. We harvest it just as it blooms
The irony of these words is tinged with great sadness, especially when I think of how beautiful Sam’s bloom would have become had it been allowed to grow a little longer.
But he is gone.
The fragrance of his flower, however, will stay with us.
Rest in peace.
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 11:33 am
he waa a really nice guy went to the same school with him and tbh at first when i had the news i thought people we joking till i saw it myself REST IN PEACE SAM WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 11:33 am
A deep piece….
So young and talented, Sam will be missed by many.I met Sam in Nairobi in 2007 during the World Social Forum, I was smitten when he performed with his dad…and humbled Sam couldn’t help noticing a totally smitten me from the crowd and came over to say hi after the performance.. I melted!
I met him again the folowing day and yes he did what he does best…played me the guitar and i was totally whipped!The memory is so fresh..how he strung that guitar….that was talent at its fullest!
Late last year, we met on FB again and he remembred me so vividly I was flattered…
The shocking news on monday was like a piece from a night mare..but verily, it is true…you’ve gone too soon dear friend….but who can question God??
RIP Sam:-(
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 12:26 pm
Tragic…heartrending and deeply wounding. My sympathy and prayers go to his family. And I marvel at so young a life that made so great an impact.
He was an icon-to-be in our generation. May his memory live on in the hearts of his fans and the fans of his father Oliver Mtukudzi.
RIP Samson — another candle blown out in the wind
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 12:36 pm
I saw Sam live first time in Bulawayo at his father’s birthday bash show. I admired him, he was so humble never forget the smile on his face as he performed. A real potray of his father. Bulawayo will miss you Sam. You death has come so untimely indeed like a thief that has come to destroy. You’ll be irreplaceable
Oliver, Daisy and the girls your boy and brother was so perfect. You are not alone in this loss. May the peace of God which surpasseth all understanding be with you in this very difficult time
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 1:18 pm
RIP Sam, you were truly a jewel. its hard to believe this especially when i remember your live performances, you were simply too good.
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 1:29 pm
Rest in peace Sam Mtukudzi
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 1:44 pm
It is always sad when children depart from this earth before their parents. Surprisingly I have never heard his music or see him perform. Can someone post link to his music.
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 2:42 pm
am deeply shocked. the guy had a brighter future ahead. rest in peace bro. only God knows the reason
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 3:27 pm
it pains guys i feel that anyone younger than me must not die. its so touching but i just wish you a peaceful rest sam we always remember you for everything you did
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 4:30 pm
Have neva seen u p[efom tho i hopd 2 sme day
Your memories will 4ever be cherished
Rest in peace dear
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 6:09 pm
R.I,P Sam we will miss u so much.
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 6:10 pm
you were a true inspiration to the young Zimbabwean youths you will always be treasured and love always. To the rest of the family you are not alone in this lose but together
Rest In Peace
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 7:07 pm
mfana Sam aenda netarenda rake,zorora murugare.
Wednesday, March 17th 2010 at 7:08 pm
what a sad call indeed, i can not help but ask why? why so young people would be taken from us so soon and when they where beginning to shine? all i can say is God has the answer we cry netariro yekuti tichasanganiswa zvakare, R.I.P Sam and thanx or being a good friend to my bestfriend Owen we grew up, schooled and rolled the dirty streets of warren park 2gether. May his soul rest in peace.
Thursday, March 18th 2010 at 9:21 am
rest in peace Sam Mutukudzi. ON behalf of tHe International Co-operation For the Development of Zimbabwe i would like to express our deep shock on this untineous death of a young artist who was so promissing .
we say Zororayi Murugare Samanyanga Mhuka Huru.
Friday, June 11th 2010 at 7:20 am
unbelievable and sad. Taught SAM AT DUDLEY HALL SCHOOL. QUIET, OBIDIENT AND PROMISING LITTLE BOY HE WAS. gO WELL SAM.