Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo has confirmed that he will return to Zimbabwe from his United States base to perform at businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday celebrations and musician Jah Prayzah’s wedding, ending speculation over whether he would accept a US$1 million performance offer.
In a video message shared on social media, Mapfumo said his visit would be strictly for professional engagements and should not be interpreted as being politically motivated.
“I just wanted to let you know that I will be coming to Zimbabwe to perform at Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday and also at Jah Prayzah’s wedding. Jah Prayzah is my son, and I’m certain he will be thrilled to have me performing at his wedding,” he said.
The veteran musician also announced that he would perform at the annual Bira Guru traditional ceremony during his visit.
Reiterating that his trip was solely work-related, Mapfumo said in Shona: “Ndati ndikuuudzei kuti ndirikuuya, ndezvebasa izvi,” meaning, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m coming. It’s all work and nothing else.”
His confirmation follows Chivayo’s public pledge to pay the legendary musician US$500,000 for each of the two performances, bringing the total package to US$1 million.
Responding to Mapfumo’s acceptance, Chivayo said he would honour the commitment, describing it as the largest performance fee ever paid to a Zimbabwean musician.
“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,” he said.
Chivayo said the payment was his way of recognising Mapfumo’s immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s music industry and the role his music played during the country’s liberation struggle.
He also extended an invitation to Mapfumo to perform at his housewarming ceremony in Gandami later this year.
