Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporter
CHIMURENGA music legend, Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo will now proceed with his retirement plans after agreeing to a million-dollar deal with businessman Wicknell Chivayo for two shows in Zimbabwe this year.
As correctly predicted by H-Metro last week, Mukanya will be returning to Zimbabwe to play at Jah Prayzah’s wedding, tentatively set for August, and Chivayo’s birthday celebrations at the end of the year. The businessman says he is ready to process the deposit for the agreed performances.
While the million-dollar carrot was dangled in public on July 4, as part of a Jah Prayzah birthday message, Mukanya officially accepted the offer yesterday in the form of a video, which went viral.
In a 76-second statement to Chimurenga music fans, Mukanya said he believes Jah Prayzah will be proud that his wedding would be graced by one of the country’s music greats.
“Jah Prayzah is a child to me and he will happy that I perform at his wedding. We also have plans to stage the Big Bira.
“This is a business transaction, nothing else.
“It’s a deal we got and I take this opportunity to tell you that we are coming to Zimbabwe, we have been away for a long time and it’s time we meet again. “So, get ready for our return so that we have fun together.”
Before this mega deal, Mukanya had been in talks for a possible farewell gig some time this year after announcing that he was finally ending his career as a musician.
Progress on the proposed farewell gig has been slow and the mega-deal from Chivayp will, no doubt, make it easier for its inclusion in-between the two secured dates.
Chivayo said he will fulfil his commitment and make Mukanya the highest paid musician in the country’s music history.
“I am pleased to announce that I will wholeheartedly honour my commitment by paying a record-breaking US$1 Million for these two shows at US$500,000 per show.
“This will make the legendary Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo the HIGHEST PAID SINGER ever in the history of our beloved country.
“I say a big congratulations to you, Mukanya, my best singer of all-time, for making this decision consciously and independently, without any influence from the naysayers who have never contributed anything meaningful to your welfare or to your extraordinary legacy.
“This is my small way of thanking you for your immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s music and arts industry over the years, and, more importantly, for the inspiration your music provided during the liberation struggle that brought about our historic and precious Independence.
“Your music has educated, inspired, united and comforted generations of Zimbabweans, and your legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
“As soon as our house kumusha, ku Gandami is complete towards the end of November or by mid-December, we shall also have the greatest honour of welcoming you to Kugara Huda Estate ku Gandami ku Wiltshire for our housewarming celebrations.
“It will be a truly special occasion to host a living legend whose music has become part of Zimbabwe’s history and identity.
“Thank you Mukanya for everything you have done for our nation and for instilling unity and identity through Chimurenga music.”
daniel chigunwe