Zimbabwe's legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi dies at 66

Legendary Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi has died.

He was 66.

It's reported that he succumbed to a long battle with diabetes.

Condolences keep pouring in on social media, paying tribute to the great cultural icon of Zimbabwe, who has a huge following across the African continent and beyond.

Oliver Mtukudzi performs during the last public tribute, a musical celebration, to South African Jazz legend Hugh Masekela five days after his passing, on January 28, 2018 at Soweto Campus of the University of Johannesburg. [Photo: IC]

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Mtukudzi was a cultural ambassador, raising the national flag high. He was an expression of Zimbabwean identity and a man of humble character.

Affectionately known as "Tuku", Mtukudzi's career spanned more than four decades with 67 albums to his name.

Tuku was also a philanthropist, human rights activist and UNICEF goodwill ambassador for southern Africa.

It's reported petitions have been made to honor Tuku with "national hero" status.