Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Showbiz Reporter
JUST when Zimbabweans were celebrating the return of another music giant, Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, Highlanders fans have been dealt a different blow; Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma says he is permanently retired from music and will NEVER be coming back to perform.
Majaivana has firmly ruled out performing at any stage, dashing 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 organisers approached him and he reportedly 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.
“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.
Mapfumo landed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday, where he was welcomed by senior Government officials and music industry figures.
But while Mukanya has answered the call to come home and perform, Majaivana appears determined to keep the microphone down.
Majaivana has stayed away from the stage for decades and has previously turned down several attempts to lure him back into performing. Reports have also documented his long-standing decision to retire from music.
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 artistes 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 was 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 artistes and programme would be unveiled as preparations gather momentum.
