Mapfumo rejects Chivayo’s million dollar offer , says I worship God not money
By Arts Reporter
HARARE — Legendary Chimurenga musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has rejected controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s offer of up to US$1 million for a live performance at Jah Prayzah’s upcoming wedding or at Chivayo’s own birthday celebration.
Mapfumo said he would not accept the offer as it conflicted with his principles.
“Millions of people are suffering and he is offering me all that money. I’ve told him before that I won’t take his money,” Mapfumo said.
He added that he would rather die poor if that is God’s will.
The rejection came on Saturday after Chivayo gifted Jah Prayzah (Mukudzeyi Mukombe) a brand-new 2026 Ford Ranger Platinum pickup and US$250,000 in cash to mark the singer’s 39th birthday.
Chivayo has previously gifted Jah Prayzah with a Benz and a Range Rova that valued around $680k USD and added cash money of $150k USD.
In the same announcement, Chivayo urged Jah Prayzah to invite his musical mentor, the exiled Mapfumo, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest Chimurenga icons, to perform at the planned August wedding.
“If the wedding is there, I will be happy for you to invite the LEGENDARY Thomas ‘MUKANYA’ Mapfumo… to perform on your special day. If he accepts this invitation, I will personally pay him US$500,000 in CASH for that performance,” Chivayo stated.
He added that if the wedding performance did not materialise, he would invite Mapfumo to perform at his own birthday event and pay double, US$1 million, describing it as an opportunity for the veteran artist to “retire from music as a MILLIONAIRE” and conclude his career with a memorable final bira.
The offer is the latest in Chivayo’s pattern of high-profile gifts of luxury vehicles and large cash sums to Zimbabwean musicians and public figures.
Mapfumo, who has lived in exile in the United States for years, has previously rejected reported offers of financial assistance and property from Chivayo, calling the businessman’s resources “dirty money” and prioritising his integrity.
Chivayo, often praised by supporters as a philanthropist and criticised by opponents as a controversial tenderpreneur, has drawn both acclaim for supporting the arts and scrutiny over the sources of his wealth and the political implications of his donations.
Mapfumo, now in his late 70s, remains a revered figure in Zimbabwean music for his pivotal role in the liberation struggle-era Chimurenga sound.
