THE month of January is emotional for musicians Tendai Manatsa and Selmor Mtukudzi who both lost their fathers in January of 2022 and 2019, respectively.
The late music super stars Oliver Mtukudzi, Zexie Manatsa and other artistes who passed away in the month of January have been remembered by the entire nation through the broadcasting of their songs on radio stations and the warm memorial sentiments shared by their families and fans on social media.
The loss of a parent is an emotional experience that can linger for many years. And for Tendai and Selmor, losing their fathers in the same month in different years has had a massive effect on the couple.
Tendai told NewsDay Life & Style that they have supported each other as a couple in dealing with the agony of losing their parents, especially at this time of the year when memories vividly come rushing back.
“We comfort each other by being there for each other when either one of us is having a bad day. It’s not easy losing a parent, but we have each other through the tough times” he said.
Four years ago, on January 23, Selmor’s father, the legendary Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi succumbed to diabetes mellitus. The couple yet again paid its last respects to Tendai’s father, Zexie “tea hobvu” Manatsa, who succumbed to cancer last year on January 20.
The couple, together with their families, have since dedicated January to remembering their fathers who immensely contributed to their lives and music careers.
“The month of January has never been the same in our lives, but we try to go through it day by day. This year we came together as a family and took time to remember them. We were just talking about the good times that we had with them and how it was growing under their shadow. We realised how blessed we have been to have such greatness in our lives and we are so grateful to God for that,” Tendai said.
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In August 2022, Tendai also lost his mother, as if 2022 had not already stolen a lot from the pair. However, despite the fact that death has taken a lot from them, Tendai said they remain positive about the future.
“Last year was a tough year for us and will always be engraved in our memories, but this year will bring a new (period) for us,” he said.
Tendai stated that while he and his wife followed in their father's footsteps, they also decided to pass on some qualities of their wonderful parents to their offspring.
He said some of the teachings they give their children attributed to their grandparents are: “Family is very important. One must put effort to make sure they keep the family love alive.”
He added: “Our parents taught us the importance of working hard and we teach our children that because that is what got our late parents to the level they were at in their lifetime.”
The two have continued to pursue music as a couple, working together and raising their children. This, according to Tendai, has helped them carry on their late parents’ legacy.
“We will make sure that their legacy will live on through us. I would like to thank everyone that was there for us through the tough times. God bless you all,” he added.
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