Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
LEGENDARY musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo arrived in Harare yesterday from his base in the United States, bringing renewed excitement ahead of two major performances this weekend.
On arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Mukanya was welcomed by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe; Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire and Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr George Manyaya was on the same flight as Mukanya, as he returned from a business trip in the US.
The veteran artiste is expected to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday celebrations.
Industry sources report that he has been paid US$1 million for the two musical engagements, which analysts described as the biggest pay cheque ever given to a local musician for a pair of shows.
Mukanya is also expected to headline a mega performance in December, organised by Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105 Promotions.
His return continues a long-standing trend of homecomings that have become major cultural moments, with his music remaining firmly rooted in the country’s social and historical narrative.
His songs were widely seen as forming part of the soundtrack to the liberation struggle, and his earlier return for the 2018 Homecoming Bira drew massive crowds.
