Arts Correspondent
Academic and governance activist Dr Blessing Vava has filed a US$50,000 lawsuit against Zimbabwean music icon Thomas Mapfumo and his manager, Cuthbert Chiromo, alleging that remarks attributed to them in media interviews and an online podcast harmed his reputation and professional standing.
The case, filed in the High Court in Harare, relates to statements published in a daily publication, H-Metro and later discussed during a Nehanda TV podcast broadcast on YouTube in August.
Court records show that Mapfumo and Chiromo have entered an appearance to defend the matter. A notice filed by their legal practitioners, Warara & Associates, on September 17 indicates that both defendants intend to oppose the claim.
According to Vava’s declaration, Mapfumo allegedly identified him in an H-Metro article as one of the individuals influencing Kurai Makore against the veteran musician. Vava further alleges that similar claims were repeated during the Nehanda TV podcast.
The court papers also allege that Chiromo referred to Vava using terms including “witch”, “serpent”, “thief” and “low life”, and accused him of manipulating others for personal interests.
Vava contends that the statements were false and conveyed that he was dishonest, untrustworthy and lacking integrity. He argues that the remarks damaged his dignity, reputation and professional standing as an academic, governance advocate and human-rights activist.
According to the declaration, Vava’s legal representatives wrote to the defendants on August 21, seeking a retraction and public apology. He alleges that no such retraction or apology was forthcoming.
In his claim, Vava is seeking US$50,000 in damages, a declaration that the statements were wrongful, an order compelling a public retraction and apology through H-Metro and Nehanda TV platforms, and a permanent interdict barring further publication of the allegations.
The defendants have not yet filed their defence on the merits of the claim. By entering an appearance to defend, they have indicated their intention to contest the lawsuit.
Vava previously worked closely with Mapfumo, serving as his publicist and spokesperson for Chimurenga Music Company and helping promote the singer’s shows in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Vava was involved in several of Mapfumo’s tours and publicity activities, including the musician’s South African performances and his much-anticipated return to Zimbabwe in 2018. Their relationship later soured.
