HARARE  - Anonymous people calling themselves democracy campaigners and “pressing for political reform” in Swaziland have threatened to harm Tuku with unspecified action if he performs at the Bushfire Festival in the southern African country tomorrow Saturday.

The group said Swaziland was a “dictator state” that must go “for not upholding human rights”. The campaigners said, in their mail to Tuku, that if artists performed in the country it was tantamount to endorsing the government of King Mswati III.

Below, Tuku responds to the threats.

“The threats don’t deter me from doing my job as an artist. I have a responsibility to help heal where there is conflict.

“I must unite people where politicians are dividing us. It’s the business of politicians to separate people, as usual, and I am not surprised by the threats. All my life my music has promoted love, peace, tolerance and human rights and must be viewed as such. Thinking otherwise would be unfair.

“Those who are threatening my life actually need healing themselves and I will ensure my music heals their anger and help them think properly. That is the purpose of art. Music must be a remedy in times of strife and artists must be given a chance to fulfill that obligation.” – Oliver Mtukudzi/tukumusik.com