Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
WE called it last week.
Yesterday, it came to pass when the legendary Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo TOUCHED DOWN in Harare.
Our report had indicated that Mukanya was set to arrive tomorrow.
However, his team adjusted his travel itinerary and Mukanya arrived in Harare yesterday evening.
He was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by three Cabinet Ministers – Minister Anseleem Sanyatwe, Minister Tino Machakaire and Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive, George Manyaya, was on the same flight with Mukanya as he was returning from a business trip in the United States.
Mukanya has been based in the United States for years, making every return to Zimbabwe a major cultural event. But this trip is not simply a homecoming show.
There is a lot of serious work to be done.
Mukanya will have two high-profile engagements at Jah Prayzah’s wedding this weekend and businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday celebrations. He has been paid a cool US$1 million for the two musical shows.
It’s the biggest pay cheque ever given to a Zimbabwean artist for two musical shows.
Analysts have described it as a befitting pension for Mukanya.
The legendary artist is also expected to have a mega show in December, which is being organised by Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105 Promotions.
MUKANYA MEETS CNN
Veteran football commentator, Charles “CNN” Mabika, has assembled about 30 Zimbabwean musicians for a special wedding song.
The song, “Makorokoto”, celebrates the wedding of Jah Prayzah and his bride Rufaro.
The group brought together different generations of Zimbabwean musicians and Mukanya’s presence at the wedding ceremony will add another powerful angle to that story.
Jah Prayzah has built his career by taking Zimbabwean sound to a new generation and an international audience.
Mukanya is one of the pioneers who helped shape the sound of modern Zimbabwe through Chimurenga music. So, when the two finally share the same stage at Jah Prayzah’s wedding, it will be more than just entertainment.
It will be a grand meeting of generations.
Mukanya’s return also carries a lot of history.
The legendary musician has spent years away from home, while his music has remained firmly rooted in Zimbabwe’s cultural consciousness.
His songs became an important soundtrack to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
His 2018 return for the ‘Homecoming Bira’ was another huge moment.
Thousands of fans turned out to welcome him back home.
While thousands of fans might not be able to watch him this time around, given that he will be playing at two exclusive events, his presence back home will still generate a lot of interest.
Some of his fans will even claim that it’s not a coincidence that the rains came down at the same time Mukanya touched down yesterday.
