Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
THOMAS Mapfumo’s nephew, Kurai Makore, has told his uncle to grab the US$1,5 million offer to play at two events in Zimbabwe later this year.
Kurai, who is also a musician, has been anointed by Mukanya to be the man who will keep the Chimurenga music flame burning when Mapfumo retires.
He revealed he had a lengthy call with his uncle on Sunday night.
“I spoke to him at length and advised him to take up the offer. As an old man who has principles, I showed him how critical this package is, especially since he is mulling retirement.
“He advised me that he was looking at the offer and his tone showed that he was interested in the whole package.”
Some voices on social media have advised Mapfumo to turn down the offer but Kurai has a different take. “The same people now advising him to turn down the offer have never done anything for him when he truly needed help,” he said.
“Remember, his homestead in Domboshava was gutted by fire caused by the veld fires, and a Go-Fund was launched but they never assisted him. Now there is a person who has decided to pay him for his services, and they are also encouraging him to turn down the offer.
“This is a life-changing opportunity that Mukanya should not miss.”
Members of his inner circle believe Mukanya should accept the package, arguing that it is merely a business transaction.
Cuthbert Chiromo, who spent years as Mukanya’s manager, and former publicist Blessing Vava, have urged him to accept the offer.
Now his nephew, Kurai, who fronts the Black Lions outfit, has added his voice.
“I have been following the ongoing debate and I don’t think there is any problem with him accepting the package,” Kurai told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“As it stands, it’s not like Mukanya is being given this money for free — he will be coming here to perform, which has always been his trade. I think it’s grossly unfair for people to say that Mukanya is a ‘sellout’ simply because he is accepting the money.
“He is coming to perform and earn his performance fee.”
Kurai said musicians are free to entertain and provide performances for different people.
“If you look closely, we entertain all kinds of people — from thieves and sex workers to even witches.If you enter a supermarket, there are all kinds of people there who come to shop, and what the owners of business want from them is simply money and nothing else,” he said. Kurai said his uncle was a living legend who deserves to be honoured in a big way.
“For many who have done a lot for the masses, he deserves to be honoured this way.
“People must not mislead our father when it comes to such matters.
“This is the right time that he should be allowed to follow his heart by accepting the offer. He has stood for the masses, but the masses have done nothing for him in critical moments,” he said.
