HARARE – Overwhelmed by sad memories of the loss of Sam Mtukudzi, one year to this day, close family and friends wept as they placed flowers on his grave during a private memorial here.

Sam died in the capital as he drove home to Norton, 45 kilometres from Harare, in the same accident that killed his childhood friend and band mate Owen Chimhare. Both were buried on the same day in graves side-by-side at Warren Hills Cemetery.

After a brief service and testimonials Sam’s mother, Daisy, led the family to the scene of the accident at a bridge, along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, where she placed flowers and prayed.

Tuku, who is away overseas performing for two months, called during the service with words to comfort his tearful wife.

While in the USA Tuku is currently on a week’s break from his acoustic performances in honour of his son.

Sam (21) was a recorded artist with two albums to his credit, Rume Rimwe (2007) and Cheziya a 2010 posthumous release. Owen (23) was sound engineer in Sam’s Ay Band.

Musicians Alick Macheso, Victor Kunonga, Sam Mataure, Charles Chipanga, Namatayi Mubariki and Tendai Manatsa attended the memorial.
Below are scenes from the memorial. – Shepherd Mutamba/tukumusik.com

^ Musicians Alick Macheso and Tendai Manatsa console Daisy Mtukudzi during the memorial.

^ Daisy Mtukudzi prepares to place flowers at the scene of the accident.

^ Family and friends at Sam's memorial.