By Paul Nyathi|SUNGURA  musician Alick Macheso expressed great concern in public over fellow musician Oliver ”Tuku” Mtukudzi’s ill health less than twenty four hours before the legendary musician passed on when he failed to attend the Coca-Cola awards ceremony because of his health on Tuesday.

The music icon was expected to receive his honorary award for his achievements at the ceremony held in the capital. The program director told the crowd that the music icon could not make it due to ill health.

His manager who was supposed to stand in his place was also reported to have rushed to Tuku’s residence for an emergency which was not revealed at that time.

Macheso who was awarded the best Sungura artiste of the year, emotionally bared his soul in front of the crowd and cameras and wished the then sick Tuku a speedy recovery.

” It’s unfortunate that he (Tuku) is not here with use today, I would have loved to be with him here today. I was touched when the Master of Ceremony announced that mdhara (Tuku) can’t make it here today. I wish him well, I  know he wil be fine, of course it worries me to hear such news, but I know that it shall be well,” said a dejected Macheso.

“This is something disturbing, Samanyanga is an icon to all of us and his absence pains me a lot. He is the one who gives us direction and when he is not well, we all feel the pain. I wish him speedy recovery.

“Samanyanga ndicho chibaba chedu, he is an icon and his absence at this event pains us. All my prayers to him and his family at this time, I want to encourage Mai Samanyanga inguva yaMwari kana muti unozununguswa,” he said.

Macheso added in his heartwarming speech that human beings were fragile by design and that he was certain that it was a phase that was passing away. Macheso also commended Coca-Cola for honouring him and the award would lift Tuku’s spirits.

”They (Coca-Cola) have done so well to honour him, I am convinced that he will breathe some fresh air after hearing the news.”