Antony Chawagaria
HARARE — Chimurenga music legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has paid his last respects to businessman Wicknell Chivayo at the family home following his death in a helicopter crash in Marondera last week.
Chivayo died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, two pilots and a security aide when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area.
Mapfumo, who is based in the United States, had returned to Zimbabwe after being engaged by Chivayo to perform at sungura musician Jah Prayzah’s wedding, which had been scheduled for Friday but was postponed following the tragedy.
The Chimurenga music icon, who is expected to leave Zimbabwe on Tuesday, said he remained committed to honouring the performance despite the postponement, adding that he had already been fully paid for the engagement.
During his visit to the Chivayo family, Mapfumo called for unity and urged Zimbabweans not to celebrate the death of others.
«“Ngativei nerudo pakati pedu and musapembera kufa kweumwe,” Mapfumo said.»
He also paid tribute to Chivayo for playing a role in facilitating his return to Zimbabwe after spending several years living in the United States.
«“Ndoda kutenda Wicknell akaita kuti ndikwanise kudzoka kumusha after makore akati wandei. Ndatokwanisa kunoonawo makuva nekuisa maruva. Handifare kunzi Mukanya vari kuAmerica; kuno ndiko kumusha kwangu,” he said.»
Mapfumo’s return to Zimbabwe had been welcomed by fans and fellow musicians, with the veteran artiste maintaining a strong connection with the country despite his long stay abroad.
His visit to the Chivayo family home comes as relatives, friends, musicians and other mourners continue to gather to pay their final respects to the businessman and his wife.
Chivayo was widely known for supporting various social, sporting and musical initiatives, while his death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the country.
