Mapfumo praises Chivayo’s support for artists, says he would meet Mnangagwa if invited

By Staff Reporter

Chimurenga music legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has praised prominent tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo for supporting local artists, defended his decision to perform at Chivayo’s birthday celebrations and said he would meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa if invited, while insisting that he remains politically neutral.

Speaking in an interview with Nehanda TV’s Managing Editor Lance Guma, the veteran musician said Chivayo was one of his biggest supporters and dismissed criticism that accepting the businessman’s invitation amounted to abandoning the principles he has championed throughout his career.


“Wicknell is one of my biggest fans. I can’t refuse to talk to him because I saw him with Mnangagwa. I don’t even know where he gets his money. If he stole the money, why are you not arresting him?

“Wicknell is actively helping local artists. The situation is difficult for musicians in Zimbabwe,” Mapfumo said.

He argued that if Chivayo has committed any crime, law enforcement authorities should take action against him.


Mapfumo, who has spent decades as one of Zimbabwe’s most outspoken musicians, said he had a long history of resisting political oppression dating back to the colonial era.

“I was the first musician to be arrested by the Smith regime (before independence) and I was jailed for three months, detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.

“So, for someone to tell me today that because Wicknell has hired me to perform on his birthday it means I have sold out, it’s embarrassing, respect me,” he said.

- Advertisement -
“I have been fighting in this struggle for 83 years. And you want me to continue fighting. Why are you as young people not willing to fight? Is it not your future?”

Asked whether he would meet President Mnangagwa if invited during his planned visit to Zimbabwe, Mapfumo said no invitation had yet been received but indicated he would be willing to consider it.

“We haven’t received any invitation from anyone. But if they invite us, we will see him. We are neutral people,” he said.

Mapfumo added that his priority was returning home to perform for Zimbabwean fans before ending his career.

“I want to go back home and do a proper farewell to my supporters. I can’t end my career here in America. What about my home,” he said.

Mapfumo has for many years been a vocal critic of the Zanu-PF government and President Mnangagwa, with his music and public statements often condemning corruption, poor governance and political repression.

His latest remarks come weeks after he accepted Chivayo’s offer to perform at the businessman’s birthday celebration and musician Jah Prayzah’s rumoured wedding for a combined fee of US$1 million.


The decision sparked widespread public debate because of Chivayo’s close association with Zanu-PF and Mapfumo’s long-standing criticism of the ruling party.

Mapfumo, however, has consistently maintained that the performances are professional engagements rather than a political endorsement, saying his decision was based on work and his desire to reconnect with supporters in Zimbabwe after years living in the United States.

Chivayo has since confirmed that he will honour the US$1 million commitment, saying the payment would make Mapfumo the highest-paid musician in Zimbabwe’s history.