Mukanya to accept Chivayo's S$1,5m offer

The nephew of Zimbabwean music legend Thomas Mapfumo has urged his uncle to accept a reported US$1.5 million offer to perform at two events in Zimbabwe later this year, describing it as a "life-changing opportunity."

Kurai Makore, who has been identified by Mapfumo as one of the musicians expected to carry forward the Chimurenga music legacy after his retirement, said he had a lengthy telephone conversation with his uncle on Sunday during which they discussed the offer.

"I spoke to him at length and advised him to take up the offer. As an old man who has principles, I showed him how critical this package is, especially since he is mulling retirement.

"He advised me that he was looking at the offer and his tone showed that he was interested in the whole package," Kurai said.

His remarks come as debate continues on social media over whether Mapfumo, popularly known as Mukanya, should accept the lucrative offer.

While some critics have urged the veteran musician to reject the proposal, Kurai said those opposing the deal had failed to support his uncle when he needed assistance.

"The same people now advising him to turn down the offer have never done anything for him when he truly needed help," he said.

"Remember, his homestead in Domboshava was gutted by fire caused by veld fires, and a GoFundMe campaign was launched, but they never assisted him. Now there is a person who has decided to pay him for his services, and they are also encouraging him to turn down the offer.

"This is a life-changing opportunity that Mukanya should not miss."

Several people who have previously worked closely with Mapfumo have also reportedly encouraged him to accept the offer, arguing that it is a professional engagement rather than a political endorsement.

These include former manager Cuthbert Chiromo and former publicist Blessing Vava.

Kurai, who fronts the Black Lions band, said musicians perform for diverse audiences and should not be judged for accepting legitimate performance bookings.

"As it stands, it's not like Mukanya is being given this money for free — he will be coming here to perform, which has always been his trade. I think it's grossly unfair for people to say that Mukanya is a 'sellout' simply because he is accepting the money.

"He is coming to perform and earn his performance fee," he said.

Kurai argued that entertainers perform for all sections of society regardless of their backgrounds.

"If you look closely, we entertain all kinds of people — from thieves and sex workers to even witches. If you enter a supermarket, there are all kinds of people there who come to shop, and what business owners want from them is simply money and nothing else," he said.

He added that Mapfumo, whom he described as a living legend, deserved to be recognised and rewarded for his contribution to Zimbabwean music.

"For many who have done a lot for the masses, he deserves to be honoured this way.

"People must not mislead our father when it comes to such matters.

"This is the right time that he should be allowed to follow his heart by accepting the offer. He has stood for the masses, but the masses have done nothing for him in critical moments," Kurai said.