Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
VETERAN saxophonist Phillip Svosve feels Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has finally got the recognition he deserves after years in the music industry.
Mukanya has accepted a record-breaking US$1 million package from businessman Wicknell Chivayo to perform at two events in Zimbabwe later this year.
Svosve, who toured extensively with Mukanya during their careers, said no Zimbabwean musician has ever received a performance fee of that magnitude. And, he said, it’s fitting that it has gone to a true legend of the local music industry.
“Mukanya has shattered records by accepting a US$1 million performance fee and it will take a miracle to break the record,” Svosve told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“This record will take years to beat. For Mukanya, it is a fitting reward for his outstanding contribution to Zimbabwean music dating back to the late 1960s. I have been following the debate on social media with keen interest, and I fully support Mukanya’s decision to accept the offer..
“He has served the music industry with distinction for decades and deserves such a package.
“We all know he has dedicated his life to music.”
Svosve urged critics to stop interfering with Mapfumo’s personal decisions, saying the veteran musician had earned the right to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
“People should mind their own business and allow Mukanya to accept the performance fee.
“It’s not like he is getting the money for free. He is being rewarded for the services he will provide at the two events. “The same people who wanted to persuade Mukanya to reject the offer did nothing for him when he faced difficult times.
“He went through a lot over the years. At one point, his house was destroyed by fire, yet those same people did nothing to help him rebuild it,” said Svosve. The 76-year-old musician, who is celebrating 56 years in the music industry, said working alongside Mukanya was one of the defining moments of his career.
“I am five years younger than Mukanya, but we belong to the same generation of musicians who began their careers during the colonial era when pursuing music was far from easy,” he recalled.
“In the early 1970s, we briefly worked together as members of Safirio Madzikatire’s band before we each pursued our own musical journeys.With Mukanya, we toured England, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa, performing at numerous shows.
“I also played with Blacks Unlimited whenever he performed in South Africa, including during his memorable return home in 2018 after many years abroad. We still speak regularly on the phone, sharing old memories. For me, it is a privilege to be associated with his brand.”
Svosve said Mukanya deserved to be celebrated while he was still alive, describing him as one of Zimbabwe’s remaining musical torch-bearers.
“I have watched him grow from our youthful days to the stage where we are now both grandfathers.
“It has been a long journey.
“I admired him as a young musician before I had the opportunity to work with him, and I still offer my services whenever he performs in Zimbabwe or elsewhere in the region. We share a special bond that many people do not know about, but the bottom line is that Mukanya is a legend.
“Love him or loathe him, Mukanya has touched the hearts of millions through his music over the years.
“Having him returning to perform in Zimbabwe is a major boost for the creative industry.
“God and our ancestors have rewarded him in a unique way.
“Sometimes in life, people receive their greatest rewards when they are close to retirement, and I believe that is what has happened to Mukanya.”
Svosve, widely regarded as the grand old man of Zimbabwean jazz, is among the growing number of prominent artists who have publicly endorsed Mapfumo’s decision to accept Chivayo’s offer.
His sentiments reflect the view of many in the arts sector who believe the landmark deal is long-overdue recognition for one of Zimbabwe’s greatest musical icons and could set a new benchmark for how legendary artists are valued and rewarded.
