Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
THOMAS Mapfumo’s nephew, Kurai Makore, has urged Zimbabweans to respect the decision by the Chimurenga music legend to accept businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s US$1 million package to perform at two events this year.
The 81-year-old music icon dominated social media on Monday after releasing a video confirming he had accepted the offer to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding.
He will also perform at Chivayo’s birthday party.
Mukanya says it’s strictly a business deal.
Yesterday, Chivayo said he will try to convince Mukanya to also look for a house in Borrowdale, which the businessman will pay for, and a brand new Toyota Landcruiser 300 series, which he once offered the Chimurenga music legend.
Mukanya’s last major visit to Zimbabwe was in 2018, ending a 14-year absence from the country.
Kurai, who fronts the Black Lions and has been anointed by Mukanya as the heir to his Chimurenga music throne, said Chivayo was simply honouring one of Zimbabwe’s greatest musical legends.
“I have been seeing a lot of negative energy directed towards my uncle and that alone does not make me happy,” Makore told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“Some people have been calling my father figure a sell-out and I think they should withdraw those statements.
“It is a mockery of a living legend and that nonsense has to stop.
“God rewards talent in mysterious ways and, in this case, Mukanya has been rewarded by someone who is not even related to him.”
Kurai added:
“I ask those keyboard warriors: what have they done for him?
“We need to be fair and allow our legend to make his own decisions.
“He has made his choice and we should respect it.”
Kurai said he would not lose sleep over social media trolls who have been criticising him for supporting Mukanya’s return.
“Mukanya has done so much for this country and this is the perfect opportunity for him to be honoured and celebrated for his immense contribution to Zimbabwean music.
“We should remain united as a nation and as Chimurenga music fans because we all know what he has done for us.
“I may be my own man now but I am first and foremost a Chimurenga music fan.
“Who would not want to be associated with legends?”
He added:
“I will continue doing my best and defending my family at all times.
“We have been longing for this moment and it seems our prayers have finally been answered.
“We will continue working hard to ensure that his legacy lives on.”
Kurai’s late father, Dominic Makore, was Mukanya’s brother, making Kurai not only a close family member but also one of the custodians of the legendary musician’s heritage.
He believes focus should be on celebrating a living legend rather than questioning his personal choices.
Yesterday, Chivayo upped the stakes.
“Mukanya is now a confirmed and official MILLIONAIRE is USD cash,” he posted.
“Sorry henyu hama dzadiwa, I see vakawanda vatadza kuzvitambira.
“Mirai muone ndaichamurova Paper 2 ne Paper 3 kana auya zvichinakidza.
“Kana apedza mashows ndiri kuda kumutsvetera kuti ko nhai Mukanya, brand-new Toyota Cruiser 300 series ZV yenyu iya yegore riya is still parked kwaVictor uko endai mutore mota yenyu muwane chekufambisa.
“Ndapedza ipapo ndoti tsvagai imba muno munana Borrowdale ine yard hombe because I’m obsessed with your music once in a while ndoda kuuya kubackyard ndogara muchindiridzira ndine shamwari dzangu.
“Zvekuti imba matitle deeds anoenda muzita menyu handina basa nazvo chandiri kunyanya kuda iyard ndikwanise kuzouya mu studio ndichiimba nemi takaitora number 1, takaitora muchiseka.”
