Caesar Zvayi, a former Editor of The Herald, has said it would have been more meaningful if Zimbabwe’s renowned international musician, Thomas Mukanya Mapfumo had held his last show in Mbare, Harare, where he began his career. Mapfumo who now resides in the United States, held one of his final performances in Leicester in the United Kingdom on June 24, 2023. In tweets that were seen by Pindula News, Zvayi said Mapfumo’s music would have a stronger impact on Zimbabweans living in the country. He said:
I understand Thomas Mapfumo’s swansong was on June 24 in the UK before a largely Caucasian audience. There are two things wrong with his decision to retire in Albion. Firstly, he cut his music teeth in Mbare, wouldn’t Stodart Hall or Rufaro have been better statements?
Secondly his genre Chimurenga does it connect more with Mr Brown or VaChigwenhere? I grew up on his music, as did many others here in Zim. I do not buy stories of his alleged persecution here that saw him fail to bury even his ride or die, Lancelot. Horomba yarasika iyi!
According to attendees at the Leicester show in the UK, Dr Thomas Mapfumo appeared frail and elderly. He required assistance to reach the stage and a chair was provided for him to sit. One of the attendees said this was not the energetic Mapfumo who typically performs on stage. The show was attended by over 300 people, and Mapfumo reportedly pocketed approximately 12,000 pounds from gate takings.
Mapfumo revealed in May this year that he will be retiring from stage performances after holding his farewell show on June 24th in the UK. His over 50-year-long career has been marked by his no-holds-barred criticism of the colonial Rhodesia government and later, ZANU PF.
In a video circulating online, Mapfumo stated that he personally organised the show in England using his own finances to thank his fans for their support. He also clarified that he will not be performing at another show that features Winky D and Jah Prayzah, stating that he failed to agree with the organisers and the two artists.
Mapfumo, who has been an ardent critic of the ZANU PF government, was forced out of the country by former President Robert Mugabe and has continued to criticise the incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa, for his poor human rights record and maladministration. Mapfumo last performed in Zimbabwe in April 2018 at a show called the ‘Homecoming Bira.’