By a Correspondent
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has come to the defence of Zimbabwean music icon Thomas Mapfumo following criticism over his decision to perform at businessman Wicknell Chivhayo’s birthday celebrations and Jah Prayzah’s wedding.
In a Facebook post, Mzembi argued that Mapfumo, popularly known as Mukanya, has always been an independent artist who has never shied away from making controversial decisions throughout his career.
His comments come amid heated debate on social media, where some Zimbabweans have questioned Mapfumo’s decision to accept an invitation from Chivhayo, a businessman closely associated with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU PF party.
Mzembi revisited Mapfumo’s history during the liberation struggle, recalling that the Chimurenga music legend was imprisoned by the Rhodesian regime for composing songs that inspired the fight against colonial rule.
He said Mapfumo was later released on condition that he performed for the Rhodesian regime, a decision that attracted criticism from some liberation supporters at the time.
Mzembi also claimed that Rhodesian security forces later used one of Mapfumo’s songs during anti-guerrilla operations, describing it as an abuse of the musician’s work for political purposes.
Wrote Mzembi: “Mukanya was imprisoned by Rhodesia for composing and playing music that inspired many of us during the liberation struggle, he was released on condition he played for the regime, he complied earning him some liberation critics at the time, the Huruyadzo Rally being a poignant event, later Rhodesian Helicopters would churn out “ Butsumutandarika” while on anti “ terrorist” operations , much to the chagrin of Zimbabweans at the time . An Artist’s work was being abused here for political purposes. It was reverse psychology.”
He noted that after independence, Mapfumo became an outspoken critic of both the administrations of former President Robert Mugabe and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mzembi dismissed attempts by critics to dictate whom the veteran musician should or should not perform for, saying artists should be free to make their own commercial decisions without being subjected to “social media policing” or peer pressure.
“Later he would be a critic of both the 1st and 2nd Republics and with the former expressing it in songs, ending up in self-exile. @OfficialMukanya is a free spirit, and his latest decision to perform for Wicknell & Jah P is consistent with his free spirit, he is not afraid of controversy and making independent decisions, even if some may have wanted to collectivize his power of decision making. He will play for a good fee, which is ok too; he plays for money and that’s what most Artists do. Ndiani akambokwenyerwa magitare for free?”
Mzembi also drew parallels with his time in government, recalling efforts to bring American stars Toni Braxton and Babyface to Zimbabwe in 2015.
According to Mzembi, the two performers initially cited security concerns but eventually honoured the engagement after organisers improved the financial offer.
“It reminds me of one pair whom we brought into the Country ; Baby Face & Toni Braxton in 2015 , they kept on citing security issues , when we upped the offer , they came locked themselves up in the Meikles , when performance time came rushed to Borrowdale Race Course , played for a couple of hours , and rushed back to Meikles and caught the first flight out of Zim -Boom !”
Mzembi concluded by urging Zimbabweans to respect Mapfumo’s decision, emphasizing that performing for a fee is standard practice in the entertainment industry.
“Let Mukanya be, as you have been yourselves and will be if dangled with such carrots,” he wrote.
Mapfumo’s acceptance of Chivhayo’s invitation has divided opinion, with supporters arguing that musicians have the right to earn a living regardless of who hires them, while critics contend that the performance risks undermining the veteran artist’s long-held image as a fearless critic of those in power.
Chivhayo’s offer to the Chimurenga music legend consisted of paid performances rather than an unconditional gift.
The music star will receive US$500,000 to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and another US$500,000 to perform at Chivhayo’s birthday celebrations making the combined package US$1 million for two performances.
In accepting the invitation, Mapfumo stressed that the money was payment for professional services, not a personal gift or political donation, saying: “This is work… it’s work.”
