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Tribute to Sam Mtukudzi and Owen Chimhare, tireless young human rights defenders
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
March 19, 2010

The board members and Staff of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) express their deep sorrow at the untimely dearth of Sam Mtukudzi and Owen Chimhare who died on Monday 15 March 2010 in a road accident.

We have lost two collegues, friends and brothers who radiated warmth and camaraderie to those who knew and associated with them as human rights defenders.

ZLHR had the privilege of working with Sam and Owen, particularly during musical concerts that were organised to commemorate crucial dates on the international and regional human rights calendar.

In June 2009, Sam and his father Oliver delivered a majestic performance at the Dominican Convent High School in Harare during celebrations organised by ZLHR's Rights club to mark the day of the African Child.

In December 2009, Sam and Owen traveled to Mutare where they provided entertainment alongside the black spirits during celebrations to commemorate the Sixteenth Day of Activism Against Gender Violence and International Human Rights Day which were jointly organised by the ZLHR and the Royal Netherlands Embassy.

During both shows, Sam played the saxophone with dexterity and exuded the aura of legendary artistry that came to characterise his career.

The loss of Sam and Owen during their prime is beyond words and the gap left is immense, particularly due to the dedication and fearlessness they showed by participating in human rights promotion activities at a time when many artists, young and old still shy away from the important role they can play in this regard as opinion leaders in society.

Sam and Owen will be sadly missed for their courage, humour and commitment as well as their professionalism. It is not only ZLHR that will mourn them but their loss is Zimbabwe's loss. ZLHR sadly but yet fondly bids them farewell. We mourn their dearth but yet celebrate their lives as "tireless human rights defenders".

It is a harsh reality that Sam and Owen are no more amongst us but their legacy in terms of their brave work will inspire us to continue our struggle for the establishment of a just and equitable world which the rights of all, particularly the youth, are promoted and respected. It is hoped that other young artists will continue the fine tradition set by these young men in highlighting human rights issues through the important and popular medium of music and arts.

ZLHR extends its deepest sympathies to the Mtukudzi and Chimhare families and the music entertainment community as they try to come to terms with so sudden and tragic a loss

May their dear souls deservedly rest in eternal peace.

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