However, the event took an unexpected turn when Selmor Mtukudzi, Oliver's daughter, walked off the stage after performing just one song, citing feelings of exclusion and mistreatment. This incident has sparked a heated debate and highlighted the ongoing rift within the Mtukudzi family.

The Incident at OMIFA

On Saturday evening at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, Selmor Mtukudzi took to the stage as part of the OMIFA celebrations. However, her performance was cut short when she broke down emotionally and walked off the stage after just one song. Selmor's actions were driven by her feelings of being treated like an outsider in a place her father had built, a sentiment she expressed publicly during her brief performance.

Daisy Mtukudzi's Response

Daisy Mtukudzi, Oliver's widow and Selmor's stepmother, has spoken out about the incident, expressing her surprise and embarrassment. In an interview with The Herald, Daisy admitted that she was caught off guard by Selmor's decision to walk off the stage and acknowledged that the incident had left her feeling humiliated.

Daisy Mtukudzi Breaks Silence on Selmor Drama

"At least the world has witnessed all the drama. I know people will still attack me, but what have I done to deserve this embarrassment? We did our best to accommodate the entire team, but this drama was beyond my control. I will leave it to God and the world to judge us," she said.

Efforts to Prevent the Drama

Despite the apparent rift between Daisy and Selmor, Daisy claimed that she had made significant efforts to prevent any scandal at the event. She emphasized that the festival was about celebrating Oliver Mtukudzi's legacy and life, rather than about individual family members.

"Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed the festival as people came in numbers. The event was all about celebrating Tuku’s legacy and a life well-lived. It was not about Daisy or whoever, because we were commemorating an icon here. Of course, the drama occurred, but we were supposed to respect our legend," she stated.

Public Reaction and Criticism

The incident has sparked widespread public reaction, with many criticizing Selmor for her behavior. Virginia Mukwesha, the daughter of the late Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, who traveled from Germany to attend the festival, was particularly vocal in her criticism.

"I was shocked by her conduct because walking off the stage is a sign of disrespect. If she was not ready for the event, she should have stayed at home. The drama was too much because fans forked out their money to come and celebrate Tuku’s legacy," Mukwesha said. "Selmor was given the right platform to showcase her talent and prove her worth as a musician. Instead of celebrating her father’s legacy, she will now be remembered as a drama queen who spoiled the event".

Family Dynamics and Historical Context

The drama at OMIFA is not an isolated incident but rather a manifestation of the long-standing tensions within the Mtukudzi family. Selmor has often felt excluded from family events and decisions, a sentiment she has expressed publicly on several occasions. This feeling of exclusion has been a recurring theme in the family's dynamics since Oliver Mtukudzi's passing.

Sandra Mtukudzi, Oliver's eldest child and Selmor's half-sister, was flown in from the UK to attend the festival and attempted to mediate the situation. However, even her efforts could not persuade Selmor to continue her performance.

Impact on the Music Community

The incident at OMIFA has significant implications for the music community in Zimbabwe. It highlights the challenges faced by families of legendary artists in managing their legacies and the emotional toll such conflicts can take. The festival, which was meant to celebrate Oliver Mtukudzi's contributions to music, was overshadowed by the drama, leaving fans and fellow musicians disappointed.

“What Have I Done to Deserve This Embarrassment?” – Daisy Mtukudzi Breaks Silence on Selmor Drama

The drama involving Selmor Mtukudzi and Daisy Mtukudzi at the inaugural OMIFA has brought to the forefront the complex and often fraught dynamics within the Mtukudzi cAs the family continues to navigate these challenges, it is clear that the legacy of Oliver Mtukudzi remains a sensitive and deeply personal issue.