By Arts Correspondent
Chimurenga music legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has returned to the United States after a brief visit to Zimbabwe that was overshadowed by the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Mapfumo arrived in Harare on September 29 from his US base, ending months of speculation over his return home after accepting a US$1 million deal for two private performances.
Mapfumo was due to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and at a private event linked to Chivayo.
However, his planned engagements were disrupted by Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash on October 1. Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three other people died in the crash in Mashonaland East.
Mapfumo visited the Chivayo family home to pay his condolences and expressed his sympathy to the family and relatives of the other crash victims.
Speaking before his departure, Mapfumo said he would return to Zimbabwe in December for a concert to be organised by veteran promoter Josh Hozheri.
“I am going back now and will see you in December. I am coming back for a concert that will be hosted by Josh Hozheri,” Mapfumo said.
Mapfumo has been based in the US for years, but his music remains deeply associated with Zimbabwe’s cultural and political history. His return in 2018, after years away from the country, drew large crowds and was celebrated as a major cultural homecoming.
