Mukanya was home sick

US BASED Chimurenga guru, Thomas Mapfumo, says he spent 14 years in diaspora as the political environment was not conducive for him to return home.

The 72-year-old, who touched down at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International airport on Wednesday night, is billed to perform at the Glamis Arena on April 28.

He shares the stage with superstar Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, Winky D, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo and Gary Tight.

In an interview shortly after his arrival on Wednesday night, Mukanya said the new political situation has prompted him to come home.

"It feels good that fans have welcomed me here at the airport after all the years I spend while in diaspora," said the Black Unlimited founder who urged political leaders to consider people first.

"Ndafara kuti ndatambirwa nevanhu vakawanda, nguva yanga yareba tisati taoonana.

"Kugadziria kwezvinhu ndokwaita kuti ndidzoke kumusha mushure memakore ese apfuura yaa ndiri musango."

Mukanya, who last visited his roots 14 years ago, said he was also anticipating a good show.

"I am just happy that I am back home and we promise a good show," he added before being whisked away by his beefy bouncers.

Journalists had a tough time to take interview him as fans jostled for 'selfies' the revered entertainer.

So ecstatic were fans when they spotted some of Mukanya's band members at the arrivals terminals.

Mukanya had to use the departure terminal where fans made a beeline to catch a glimpse of the singer.

Meanwhile, Mukanya's childhood friend Tuku who is also part of the line-up recently told H-Metro that he was ready to meet the Chimurenga guru.

Asked when he last shared the stage with Mukanya, Tuku said:

"In 2006 at the Carnival City in South Africa. It was a good experience just like eight months before in Ireland."

With many drawing comparisons between them, Tuku revealed what they have in common.

"I met Thomas (Mapfumo) in 1976 and I guess music is what we have in common."

Tuku who also described the forth-coming show with Mukanya as a "good opportunity", said he still learns a lot from the latter who at one point was considered his rival.

"I learnt a lot from Thomas Mapfumo," he said.

Mukanya who last visited our shores in 2004 won't be staying for good after the show, his handlers say.

The singer's rival, who came earlier before the show, is also expected collaborate with a number of artistes who have booked his management.

Suluman is one of the artistes who have indicated his intentions to do a duet with Mukanya.

In his absence, Mukanya's runner Jairos Chabvonga, Bryn Taurai Mteki and Evans "Vanso" Sekete have made great strides in trying to keep the genre relevant.