Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Chimurenga music legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo’s farewell show to retirement, held last weekend at Bingley Hall in Birmingham, brought together Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom.
Known by the sobriquets, Mukanya, Tafirenyika, Gandanga, Muchadura, Lion of Zimbabwe, among others, turned 80 years in July.
Touted as his final performance before retiring, Mukanya also passed the torch to Kurai Makore, who will carry on his musical legacy.
It turned out to be a big reunion of stars who showed their solidarity with Mukanya. Big names, including former footballers were in attendance in Birmingham, where a record crowd gathered.
Former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, former Dynamos skipper Memory Mucherahowa, former CAPS United forward Stewart Murisa and ex-Masvingo United forward Musareka Jenitala graced the event. For Kurai, he had a good day in office during his maiden tour of the United Kingdom.
“I enjoyed the show alongside the legend. The reception was overwhelming and it was my first time meeting hordes of fans in the United Kingdom. Performance-wise, we nailed it as fans showed up in numbers,” he stressed.
“I was impressed that most fans in the United Kingdom know my music, as they sang along to many of the tracks. It was a marvel to watch fans dancing to both my songs and Mukanya’s compositions. I am still around, but I will return home with good memories that I hope many people will cherish.”
Mukanya could be signing off his career with a farewell gig in Zimbabwe.
“I have spoken to him about his retirement plans, but it will be a difficult decision for him considering that music has become his lifestyle. It’s like quitting journalism, which would be a difficult decision. Mukanya has lined up another show in South Africa before he comes to Zimbabwe to bid farewell to his fans on home turf,” he emphasised.
He also saluted Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom for their loyalty.
“The Zimbabwean spirit was exhibited at this particular show. I didn’t know that Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom are united, and that unity has been enhanced by good music. I felt like I was home with Shona speakers in the auditorium.”
Kurai was also impressed by promoters who are now seeking his services.
“I had a great chance to meet arts promoters in the United Kingdom looking for my services. We are still at the negotiating table and if all goes accordingly, I might return here before the year ends or early next year. It feels like a miracle considering that I was a nonentity three years ago,” shared Kurai.
He added: “I have learnt to take my job seriously and build on the successful show we had in Birmingham. When I come back to Zimbabwe, I will also share some insights we acquired in the United Kingdom with my band members. At Black Lions camp, we believe in teamwork, and that was exhibited in the United Kingdom, where fans showed up in numbers.”
Fellow musicians Selmor Mtukudzi and Tocky Vibes complemented Mukanya and Kurai by delivering performances befitting the legendary singer’s status. Selmor shared her joy of sharing the stage with Mukanya in a post that reads:
“Last night was amazing. Sharing the stage with Dr Mapfumo was such an honour. I got to share with him how my father-in-law, Zexie Manatsa, was talking about him in his last minutes of life. The whole family was sitting around him in the hospital talking and mdara started singing a song they wrote together with Dr Thomas back in the day.
“He passed away just about 15 minutes later, surrounded by family. I was pleased to be able to share the story with Dr Mapfumo last night.”
For Selmor, it was yet another great opportunity to share the stage with Mukanya. The same goes for Tocky, who has been praised by Mukanya for his powerful songwriting technique. He is arguably one of the most touring Zimbabwean musicians and has become a regular visitor to the United Kingdom.
In the sub-region, Tocky has extensively toured South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique, holding a series of shows. Last weekend, he had the opportunity to share the stage with Mukanya, delivering a flawless act set to remain etched in the minds of many in attendance.
Online Reporter