Athletics

Zimbabwe: Well being Suggestions, Music At Tuku Half Marathon

February 5, 2025
Ibrahim

Organisers of the 2025 Oliver Mtukudzi Half Marathon have described this 12 months’s version as a powerful success.

The occasion, which occurred at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton final Sunday, turned out to be a celebration of music, aerobics, and athletics.

It was spiced up by a well being expo, the place the main target was primarily on diabetes consciousness.

The occasion was held in reminiscence of the late crooner Tuku, who died on the age of 66 on January 23, 2019.

He was declared a nationwide hero and was buried at his Madziwa homestead in Mashonaland Central Province.

A sequence of festivities to mark his legacy normally takes place in January, with the marathon race being one of many occasions.

Marathon director Sylvia Sanyanga, who had a busy day within the workplace final Sunday, mentioned they surpassed final 12 months’s variety of runners.

Final 12 months they recorded 500 runners.

“The occasion was a hit as a result of this time round we had 546 members collaborating within the occasion. We celebrated the legacy of Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi in type, and we had been impressed by the passion proven by our runners.

“It was a marvel to look at as most runners, who got here early and late, loved good music from numerous artistes,” she mentioned.

Sanyanga praised John Cole for the distinctive job finished with the Zumba class.

“This 12 months’s version was one thing else as a result of after the races, there have been Zumba classes that made the occasion distinctive.

“We even talked concerning the energy of collaborations afterward. The well being expo additionally contributed to the occasion’s success,” she mentioned.

After this 12 months’s version, Sanyanga mentioned the eye was now on placing collectively a novel Oliver Mtukudzi Worldwide Pageant of the Arts (OMIFA).

“We’re going to construct on the success of the lately concluded occasion to begin making ready for OMIFA 2025. Tuku left behind a legacy well-lived, and it’s our hope to place collectively a greater competition.

“Taking inventory of final Sunday’s occasion, it was certainly a hit,” mentioned Sanyanga.

She added, “on that be aware, I want to thank our chairperson, Ms. Tendayi Hlupo, who supplied invaluable steering and assist. She was in a position to deliver on board nice sponsors similar to Zim Cyber Metropolis, which supplied prizes for athletes and spot prizes for many who attended.”

The Oliver Mtukudzi Half Marathon, which introduced Norton to a standstill, was greater than only a sporting occasion — it was a heartfelt tribute to the late nationwide hero by music. After the races, followers had been handled to a soul-stirring live performance that includes a few of Zimbabwe’s best musicians, all paying homage to Tuku’s enduring legacy.

Upcoming crooner Benard Betera delivered an imposing act, opening his efficiency with “Chipembenene,” simply capturing the hearts of many. With a voice and stage presence eerily harking back to Tuku himself, Betera transported the viewers again in time, evoking reminiscences of the legend’s timeless performances.

He threw followers right into a frenzy as he belted out “Tozeza Baba,” exuding confidence.

He shifted gears up with the renditions of “Neria” and “Chengetai Mai naBaba,” which left followers in awe.

Tuku’s Black Spirits band additionally took to the stage, delivering a spirited set of the departed icon’s classics.

On lead vocals was Watson Chidzomba Junior, who has advanced from his earlier position as a drummer to a assured and commanding frontman.

Samantha Mtukudzi, carrying ahead her father’s legacy, additionally carried out with the Black Spirits, including an emotional contact to the tribute.