Legendary musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo arrived in Harare yesterday from his base in the United States, ahead of two high-profile performances scheduled for this weekend.
The veteran musician was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, and Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr George Manyaya was also on the flight from the United States after completing a business trip.
Mapfumo is expected to perform at musician Jah Prayzah’s wedding and businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday celebrations.
Industry sources claim the legendary musician has been paid US$1 million for the two engagements, a figure that, if confirmed, would represent a major fee for performances by a Zimbabwean musician.
Mapfumo’s return has generated considerable interest among music fans, given his enduring influence on Zimbabwe’s musical landscape and his long association with the country’s social and historical narrative.
His music became closely associated with the liberation struggle, with songs such as Chimurenga earning him the enduring moniker “Mukanya” and cementing his place in Zimbabwe’s cultural history.
His previous homecomings have also attracted significant public attention. His return for the 2018 Homecoming Bira drew large crowds and reaffirmed his popularity among Zimbabwean music lovers.
Mapfumo is also expected to headline a major show in December organised by Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105 Promotions, adding to a busy schedule following his latest homecoming.
His arrival has once again placed the veteran artiste at the centre of Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene, with fans looking forward to seeing the Chimurenga music icon perform on home soil.
