Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub.
Chimurenga legend Thomas “Makunya” Mapfumo is on the verge of fulfilling his wish list with three shows before signing off on his career, which spans over five decades.
As Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub exclusively revealed this year, the Blacks Unlimited founder will hold one of his farewell concerts in South Africa before the year ends, scheduled for December 6.
The South African leg, which has been pencilled in for the Newtown Music Factory in Johannesburg, follows the singer’s United Kingdom leg held in August.
After the Johannesburg show, Mukanya will hold another performance in the US and conclude with a final show in Zimbabwe early next year.
In a promotional video, Mukanya confirmed these developments.
“We are coming to South Africa for a show on December 6, and afterwards we have more performances lined up in the US, which will be followed by one last gig in Zimbabwe,” shared Mapfumo in the interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
Mukanya, who has insisted on hanging up the microphone after years on stage, told this publication that it has always been his wish to bid farewell in style and then rest.
He also expressed his desire to be buried in Zimbabwe, where his umbilical cord is buried.
“I have always loved my country, Zimbabwe, and I am never shy or afraid to visit my birthplace,” he shared earlier this year.
“I was born in Zimbabwe, and here in the United States, the best I can do is showcase our way of life and culture. Many foreign nationals living here are known for promoting their own cultures, and I have done the same. I will continue to put my country on the world map by showcasing our lifestyle overseas.”
In the same interview, he conceded that life in the diaspora is not a bed of roses.
“Life here can be hell on earth because you do not have close friends or people to support you when you are broke. It is survival of the fittest, and one must be responsible, knowing you are not in your own country. You may not appreciate the freedom you have back home until you relocate overseas, where your rights are limited as a foreigner.”
Mapfumo, affectionately known as Mukanya by his legion of followers, moved to the United States at the turn of the millennium.
He also revealed that several factors have pushed many to the diaspora.
“For your information, most of the people who have settled overseas did not come here by choice.
“There are several factors that prompted them to be here, and they dearly miss home. I also miss home because I will always be Zimbabwean, no matter how many years I have settled in the US, which has become my second home — not by choice, but due to situations beyond my control.
“We all want to stay and work at home,” he stated.
One thing was certain throughout the interview: the veteran singer’s reluctance to openly discuss whether he would return home for good or continue staying in the US.
“It is something we have not discussed (relocating to Zimbabwe), but just know that I truly remain Zimbabwean, and nothing takes away that fact. I will be buried there, and I just love my roots, as I indicated earlier.”
Regarding his retirement plans, he did not rule out the possibility of performing back home, which he promised in the same promotional video.
As the December 6 show in Johannesburg approaches, Mukanya’s fans can now celebrate with him as he prepares for the Zimbabwean leg.
His nephew, Kurai Makore, touted as the heir apparent to the Chimurenga throne, is also part of Mukanya’s line-up.
In fact, he was the first artiste to be featured on the same poster, and others will be announced in due course.
“I will always do my best to share the stage with my father figure because he is the one who has blessed my musical journey and showed me the way.
“He saw the potential in me, and we are glad that he is doing his farewell shows, although it has always been my wish to see him on stage for so many years,” he stressed.
Mukanya is one of the living legends among several icons from his generation, including Zex Manatsa, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, James Chimombe, Marshall Munhumumwe and many others who used to command a huge following back in the day. After losing many of his peers from his generation, Mukanya may be feeling lonely, although he is grateful to the gods for the gift of long life.
He celebrated his 80th birthday in July with a series of activities taking place both locally and abroad.
His fans, family and nephew Kurai were among those who made Mukanya’s 80th birthday worthwhile.
