Majaivana rejects Highlanders Centenary invitation

by Staff reporter


United States-based Zimbabwean music legend Lovemore "Majaivana" Tshuma has rejected an invitation to perform at Highlanders' centenary celebrations, insisting that he is permanently retired from music and will not perform in Zimbabwe again.

The decision ends speculation that the celebrated Bulawayo musician could make a surprise return to the stage during Highlanders' musical extravaganza scheduled for October 31.

Highlanders supporters had hoped Majaivana, affectionately known as "Magee", could be persuaded to perform at the historic celebrations because of his deep connection to Bulawayo and the cultural identity of Bosso.

However, Highlanders centenary entertainment committee member and radio personality Ezra "Tshisa" Sibanda said Majaivana had firmly rejected the invitation.

"We would have loved to have Lovemore Majaivana performing at the centenary celebrations, but he flatly refused," Sibanda said during the launch of the celebrations at the Bosso Clubhouse.

"He said he will not be performing in Zimbabwe ever again, and nothing has changed."

Sibanda said Majaivana left no doubt about his decision during their conversation.

"His words were: ‘Ezra, I am permanently retired from music. We can talk all things Highlanders, but I will not perform in Zimbabwe.'"

Majaivana has been away from the stage for more than two decades and has repeatedly resisted efforts by promoters, fellow musicians and admirers to convince him to return.

He relocated to the United States in 2000 before retiring from music. Since then, he has reportedly turned down performance offers from Zimbabwe, Britain, South Africa and other parts of the diaspora.

Even the late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi was reportedly unable to convince him to make a comeback or collaborate on a recording.

Majaivana's decision comes at a time when another US-based Zimbabwean music giant, Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo, has returned home after years abroad.


Mapfumo arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday after nearly eight years away and was welcomed by government officials and music industry figures.

His two private performances linked to the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo were cancelled following Chivayo's death in a helicopter crash.

Mapfumo, however, has indicated that he remains committed to performing at musician Jah Prayzah and Rufaro Mukombe's wedding when a new date is announced. He is also expected to stage a public performance in December.

While Mapfumo has responded to calls for his return, Majaivana appears determined to keep his retirement permanent.

His absence from Highlanders' centenary celebrations is likely to be keenly felt by supporters, given the enduring influence of his music on Bulawayo's cultural identity and the history of the football club.

Despite Majaivana's absence, the October 31 musical extravaganza will go ahead, featuring performances by some of Zimbabwe's leading artists as part of Highlanders' year-long centenary programme.

Event organiser and 3D Events director Mduduzi Mdlongwa said the celebration would give supporters an opportunity to commemorate Highlanders' century-long journey since its establishment in 1926.

"We are Highlanders, it's us and we need to celebrate our 100 years as abanikazi beBosso," Mdlongwa said.

"October 31 will not be an ordinary day."

He said Highlanders remained an institution deserving of a major celebration during its centenary year.

"Bosso was, is and remains an institution that deserves a massive celebration in its centenary year," he said.

Organisers are expected to announce the full line-up of performers and programme as preparations for the historic celebration gather pace.