HARARE – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has recognized Oliver Mtukudzi’s extraordinary endeavors in using his musical talent to improve the lives of children by appointing him goodwill ambassador.

^ Celebrating success...Tuku receives a bouquet of flowers from a UNICEF official.

The appointment, announced by UNICEF in Harare yesterday, means Mtukudzi now joins other international luminaries working globally with United Nations agencies in various areas of socio-political and developmental advocacy.

Mtukudzi’s portfolio as regional ambassador will cover Eastern and Southern Africa where he will promote children’s and young people’s right to live free from HIV and Aids among other areas of critical drawback affecting the development of women and children.

As ambassador Mtukudzi will have unique access to audiences around the world through UNICEF’s extensive global reach.

UNICEF’s representative for Zimbabwe Dr Peter Salama announced Mtukudzi’s appointment during the Day of the African Child commemorations at the agency’s offices.

UNICEF said in appointing Mtukudzi the world body’s agency had recognized the musician’s bold endeavors in using music as a tool to promote the development of the lives of children.

^ Congrats for Tuku from (left) UNICEF's Zimbabwe Representative Dr Peter Salama and Mrs Hlabangana Principal Director in Deputy PM Thokozani  Khupe's Office.

As goodwill ambassador Mtukudzi will also be urging political leaders to commit more human and financial resources for children.

UNICEF regional goodwill ambassadors are chosen not only because of their public standing but more particularly because of the respect with which the appointees are held including their appeal as genuine humanitarians.

Mtukudzi said: “I am greatly honored and sure I will use my music as I have always done to spread the message of love, peace, tolerance and harmony. I commit myself to continue my advocacy to promote the welfare of women and children. Our future is in the hands of our mothers and our children…we need to do more for them…develop them, love them and care for them.”

In the past Mtukudzi has received several awards for his outstanding effort towards the promotion of women and children including recognition for his work as a philanthropist raising public awareness on diabetes, malaria and HIV and Aids.

^ For the love of children...Tuku  is joined on stage by children.

Among the awards are an honorary Masters in Fine Arts awarded by the Women’s University in Africa (WUA), the Cultural Ambassador Award (2009) by the San Diego (USA) based Project Concern International and the University of Zimbabwe-International Council of Africana Womanism.

Mtukudzi also operates a successful arts development academy, Pakare Paye Arts Centre, in his home town of Norton near Harare, where particularly the youngsters receive mentorship in various art forms.

In some of his work with children Mtukudzi has worked with orphans from the marginalized Binga districts, in Zimbabwe’s remote northern provinces, on music to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS.

UNICEF is present in over 150 countries and through 36 national committees in the industrialized world.

Among other UNICEF regional ambassadors is South African diva Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

Below are scenes from the Day of the African Child commemorations and Mtukudzi’s appointment as UNICEF ambassador. – Shepherd Mutamba / tukumusik.com