Mapfumo won't relocate to Zimbabwe

CHIMURENGA genre musician Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo has confirmed that his upcoming performance in Zimbabwe in April will be his final live show, marking the end of an era before he retires from stage performances.

After the highly anticipated farewell concert, Mukanya will return to his base in Oregon, United States, where he has lived for more than two decades. The 80-year-old music legend said he plans to shift his focus to recording music and running his car-dealing business.

In a wide-ranging interview, Mapfumo said that despite holding American citizenship, his identity remains firmly rooted in Zimbabwe.

"I am definitely coming to Zimbabwe to hold my final farewell gig after having similar performances in England and South Africa last year," he said. "Zimbabwe will always be my home. I cannot run away from that because that is where my parents are buried, although I am now an American citizen."

He said the decision to end his live performances on home soil was a deliberate one made through Chimurenga Music Company, adding that Zimbabwe deserved to host the closing chapter of his stage career.

"My choice is to select where I want to stay, and I wish borders worldwide could be opened so people travel as they please," Mapfumo said. "I have made America my preferred place to live, and no one can tell me what to do."

With a professional music career spanning more than six decades on the international stage, Mukanya said he is confident he will adjust to life beyond live performances.

"I will only quit live performances and concentrate on recording music and selling it online," he said. "I will also be doing car dealing to keep myself busy."

Mapfumo also revealed that he remains in contact with South African traditional leader Chief Livhuwani Matsila of Limpopo, who gifted him land in 2022. He said the land belongs to his children and will be developed in due course.

"I spoke to the chief recently as he was checking up on me," he said. "Whether we construct lodges or chalets is up to us and my children."

He stressed that his interests in South Africa do not dilute his Zimbabwean identity.

"As I said, I am Zimbabwean, and developing land in South Africa does not mean I do not love my country," Mapfumo said. "I am ready to occupy that land in Limpopo when the time is right."

The Chimurenga guru reiterated his long-held wish to be buried in Zimbabwe, saying his final resting place will be alongside his parents.

"I have not changed my mind. My remains will be interred in Zimbabwe because that is where my father and mother were buried," he said. "It would not make sense for me to be buried overseas when I have a well-known home of my choice, which is Zimbabwe."

Reflecting on his longevity and influence, Mapfumo attributed his success to originality and authenticity, principles he continues to champion among younger musicians.

"When I urge local musicians to be original, sometimes I am misunderstood," he said. "Our Zimbabwean music is unique, and that is why the likes of myself, Oliver Mtukudzi and Marshall Munhumumwe were adored everywhere."

He lamented the period when imitation of foreign styles threatened local identity, saying the loss of originality weakened Zimbabwean music's global standing.

"I will continue preaching this gospel of originality until I die," Mapfumo said. "This nation has a lot of talent, but we are obsessed with copying, which has led us to lose our identity."

Despite spending many years abroad, the veteran musician admitted he deeply misses life back home.

"I miss my friends and family, and the organic food in Zimbabwe," he said. "I miss everything about Zimbabwe, and it will always remain my homeland."

While Mapfumo now lives in the United States and pursues business interests in South Africa, he maintains that his heart, heritage and final resting place remain in Zimbabwe. His story, shaped by exile, return and reflection, underscores the enduring bond between identity and home, even across borders.