By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare – The airwaves may never sound quite the same again.
After over four decades of captivating Zimbabwean audiences with his velvet voice, impeccable taste, and warm charisma, Kudzie “Mr Kool” Marudza has hung up his headphones — trading the console for a quiet life on his Murehwa farm.
But before he signed off, fellow broadcaster Felix Nganjo Mutemi ensured the legend received his flowers while he could still smell them.
On the past two editions of his Sunday Soul Spectrum show on Classic263, Mutemi orchestrated an emotional and unforgettable tribute to Mr Kool — a man he called “not just a DJ, but family.”
“These past two shows were some of the most enjoyable and emotionally resonant compilations I’ve ever created,” said Mutemi on-air. “In honour of a living legend, I reached out to over 40 former Radio 3 presenters. The response was overwhelming.”
The studio became a virtual reunion hall, as former colleagues poured in with stories, memories, and heartfelt messages — painting a picture of a humble radio librarian-turned-icon whose voice became the soundtrack of Sundays.
Kudzie Marudza’s story began quietly. On September 1, 1981, he walked into the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation not as a presenter, but as a librarian.
But his destiny lay beyond the filing cabinets. With keys to every studio, Marudza would sneak into Studio D to practice alone, channeling his idols.
“I loved watching Musi Khumalo, John Matinde — but especially Josh Makawa,” said Marudza. “He had it all — the passion, the charisma, the deep musical knowledge. I always wanted to be like him.”
And eventually, he was. From the soft soul ballads of the 80s to the funk-laced sounds of the 90s and beyond, Mr Kool became a mainstay on Zimbabwe’s airwaves. Known for his phrase “compile to the ear”, he had a gift for weaving songs together with emotional precision.
“Tight productions. No dead air between records,” he used to say — a mantra that defined his meticulous, almost meditative approach to broadcasting.
Felix Mutemi’s tribute show reminded listeners just how deeply Mr Kool had touched their lives. The station was flooded with listener tributes — from nostalgic tales of road trips scored by his music to Sunday afternoons spent dancing in the lounge.
“Mr Kool, your legacy is eternal,” said Mutemi. “Your voice, timeless.”
The tribute was made possible with the support of Classic263 Head, Terrence Mapurisana (RCG), whose commitment to preserving Zimbabwe’s radio heritage helped deliver this on-air celebration.
Now retired, Marudza is embracing a slower rhythm.
“I’m doing well, just spending more time at my plot,” he said simply. “After 40 years on air, it’s time to nurture something new.”
But for his legion of fans, Sunday afternoons will always carry a trace of Mr Kool’s soulful touch.
As the static settles and Studio D falls silent, one thing is certain — Kudzie Marudza didn’t just play the music. He was the music.
Got a Mr Kool memory or a favourite song he played? Share your tribute with us.
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