HARARE - The government of Italy has honored Tuku with the prestigious Cavaliere of the Order of Merit award in recognition of his work as an international musician.

Left: Tuku receives the Cavaliere from the Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Stefano Moscatelli.

The award is what the Knighthood is to England and was presented last night to Tuku by the ambassador of Italy to Zimbabwe Stefano Moscatelli on behalf of the President of Italy whose prerogative it is to award the Cavaliere.

Tuku becomes the first musician in Africa to receive the Cavaliere.

“I dedicate the Cavaliere to Zimbabwe whose music is being recognised internationally,” Tuku said.

The award comes just a few weeks after Tuku, who is the UNICEF Goodwill ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa, was named as the twelfth most influential celebrity in Africa out of 40 others. – tukumusik.com

^ Tuku, wife Daizy (in purple) with friends at the Cavaliere party.	^ Tuku, wife Daizy and friends at the Caliere party.