Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — Veteran musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo says he will honour his performance commitments to the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo, despite the postponement of Jah Prayzah’s wedding following the fatal Marondera helicopter crash.
Mapfumo said he had already been paid in full for two performances and would honour the agreements reached with Chivayo.
“I can confirm that I was paid in full for the work I was supposed to do, and I will honour my contract,” Mapfumo told H-Metro.
The Chimurenga music icon said he was still struggling to come to terms with Chivayo’s death.
“At the moment, I don’t have much to say as I am still in shock over the death of Wicknell. May the Lord comfort his family and loved ones,” he said.
Mapfumo was scheduled to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding to Rufaro Mukombe this weekend, but the ceremony has since been postponed following the deaths of Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, and other crash victims.
Reports indicate that Mapfumo was set to receive US$500,000 for the wedding performance, while another US$500,000 was reportedly linked to a performance at Chivayo’s birthday celebrations on November 22.
Chimurenga Music Company has since confirmed that Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited will honour their commitment to perform at the wedding once a new date is announced.
The group has also extended its condolences to the Chivayo family, their children, relatives, and friends, as well as to the families of the other crash victims.
The fatal helicopter crash occurred in rural Marondera on Wednesday, claiming the lives of Chivayo, Muteke, and other occupants.
