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Uncertainty clouds Mapfumo farewell show
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Uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Mapfumo's proposed farewell show in Harare, which was initially slated for April but remains unconfirmed and unpublicised.
Three months ago, the Chimurenga music legend indicated he would return to Zimbabwe for a final performance to bid farewell to his fans ahead of retirement.
However, there has been no official announcement or promotional activity for the event.
Speaking in a telephone interview from his base in the United States in February, Mapfumo said there were no stumbling blocks surrounding the show.
"The show is on. Let me make that very clear," he said.
"There are no problems, in April, we will be in Harare, and we will perform."
Despite the assurances, it has since emerged that authorities, including the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), have not been notified of the planned event, raising further doubts about its status.
In terms of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:07], show organisers are required to notify NACZ of an impending event at least 30 days in advance, submitting details such as the venue and list of performers.
Mapfumo has previously dismissed reports questioning the concert, strongly refuting claims linked to alleged family disputes and his absence from his brother Lancelot Mapfumo's funeral in Guruve in 2022.
The veteran musician maintained that the farewell show would go ahead and expressed willingness to return to Zimbabwe despite the prevailing political environment.
He also rejected claims about financial instability and denied reports suggesting his live performances were unsuccessful.
"Everything is moving according to plan," he said.
"We are rehearsing, we are preparing, and we are looking forward to giving Zimbabweans a proper farewell show."
Mapfumo further dismissed suggestions that political or security concerns could prevent his return.
"I have always spoken my mind, and I will continue to do so," he said.
"But right now, there is no issue stopping me from coming to perform for my people."
However, with April already underway, there is still no confirmed venue, official announcement or visible preparations for the much-anticipated farewell gig.
The musician, popularly known as Mukanya, had not responded to questions sent to him via WhatsApp by the time of going to print.
Three months ago, the Chimurenga music legend indicated he would return to Zimbabwe for a final performance to bid farewell to his fans ahead of retirement.
However, there has been no official announcement or promotional activity for the event.
Speaking in a telephone interview from his base in the United States in February, Mapfumo said there were no stumbling blocks surrounding the show.
"The show is on. Let me make that very clear," he said.
"There are no problems, in April, we will be in Harare, and we will perform."
Despite the assurances, it has since emerged that authorities, including the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), have not been notified of the planned event, raising further doubts about its status.
In terms of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 25:07], show organisers are required to notify NACZ of an impending event at least 30 days in advance, submitting details such as the venue and list of performers.
Mapfumo has previously dismissed reports questioning the concert, strongly refuting claims linked to alleged family disputes and his absence from his brother Lancelot Mapfumo's funeral in Guruve in 2022.
The veteran musician maintained that the farewell show would go ahead and expressed willingness to return to Zimbabwe despite the prevailing political environment.
He also rejected claims about financial instability and denied reports suggesting his live performances were unsuccessful.
"Everything is moving according to plan," he said.
"We are rehearsing, we are preparing, and we are looking forward to giving Zimbabweans a proper farewell show."
Mapfumo further dismissed suggestions that political or security concerns could prevent his return.
"I have always spoken my mind, and I will continue to do so," he said.
"But right now, there is no issue stopping me from coming to perform for my people."
However, with April already underway, there is still no confirmed venue, official announcement or visible preparations for the much-anticipated farewell gig.
The musician, popularly known as Mukanya, had not responded to questions sent to him via WhatsApp by the time of going to print.
Source - The Standard
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