Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
Showbiz Reporter
JUST when Zimbabweans are celebrating the return of another music giant, Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, another United States-based legend has resisted the lure of a homecoming show.
Lovemore Majaivana has revealed that he is now “permanently retired from music” and will NEVER be coming back home to perform.
Majaivana’s decision has dashed hopes that the legendary musician could make a surprise appearance at Highlanders’ Centenary Celebrations in Bulawayo on October 31.
Speculation had been rife among Bosso fans that “Magee,” as the music icon is affectionately known, could make a dramatic return for the milestone celebrations. But, those hopes were crushed after he turned down the invitation without hesitation.
“We would have loved to have Lovemore Majaivana performing at the centenary celebrations but he flatly refused.
“He said he will not be performing in Zimbabwe ever again and nothing has changed,” said Highlanders centenary entertainment committee member and radio personality, Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda, during the launch of the celebrations at the Bosso Clubhouse last Sunday.
Tshisa added:
“His words were ‘Ezra, I am permanently retired from music, we can talk all things Highlanders but I will not perform in Zimbabwe’.”
Majaivana’s decision comes at a time when another Zimbabwean music giant, Mapfumo, has just returned home after years away in which, just like Majaivana, he has largely been based in the United States.
Mukanya landed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday, where he was welcomed by senior Government officials and music industry figures.
But while Mukanya, who has a show set for December, has answered the call to come home and perform, Majaivana appears determined to stay away from such a similar assignment.
Majaivana has stayed away from the stage for decades and has previously turned down several attempts to lure him back into performing.
For Bosso fans, his absence will be particularly painful given the deep connection between his music, Bulawayo and the Highlanders culture.
The October 31 musical extravaganza will instead feature some of Zimbabwe’s top artists as part of Highlanders’ year-long centenary celebrations.
Event organiser and 3D director, Mduduzi Mdlongwa, said the show would give the Highlanders family an opportunity to celebrate the club’s 100-year journey.
“We are Highlanders, it’s us and we need to celebrate our 100 years as abanikazi beBosso.
“October 31 will not be an ordinary day,” said Mdlongwa.
He said Highlanders were an institution deserving of a massive celebration.
“Bosso was, is and remains an institution that deserves a massive celebration in its centenary year,” he said.
Organisers said further details on the artists and programme would be unveiled as preparations gather momentum.
