By Agencies
United States-based Zimbabwean music legend Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma has rejected an invitation to perform at Highlanders’ centenary celebrations, declaring that he is permanently retired and will never perform in Zimbabwe again.
His decision has ended speculation that the celebrated musician could make a surprise appearance during the Bulawayo football giants’ musical extravaganza scheduled for October 31.
Highlanders’ supporters had hoped “Magee”, as Majaivana is affectionately known, might be persuaded to return for the club’s historic 100th anniversary celebrations because of his enduring connection to Bulawayo and Bosso culture.
However, Highlanders centenary entertainment committee member and radio personality Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda said the musician rejected the invitation without hesitation.
‘I am permanently retired’
“We would have loved to have Lovemore Majaivana performing at the centenary celebrations, but he flatly refused,” Sibanda said during the launch of the celebrations at the Bosso Clubhouse.
“He said he will not be performing in Zimbabwe ever again, and nothing has changed.”
Sibanda said Majaivana made his position unequivocally clear during their conversation.
“His words were: ‘Ezra, I am permanently retired from music. We can talk all things Highlanders, but I will not perform in Zimbabwe.’”
Majaivana has been away from the stage for more than two decades and has repeatedly rejected attempts by promoters, fellow musicians and admirers to persuade him to perform again.
He relocated to the United States in 2000 before retiring from music. Over the years, he has turned down performance offers from Zimbabwe, Britain, South Africa and other parts of the diaspora.
Even the late Oliver Mtukudzi was reportedly unable to persuade him to make a comeback or record a collaboration.
Decision contrasts with Mapfumo homecoming
Majaivana’s position comes as Zimbabwe celebrates the return of another US-based music legend, Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo.
Mapfumo arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday after nearly eight years away and was welcomed by government officials and music industry figures.
His two private performances connected to the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo did not proceed following Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash. Mapfumo has, however, confirmed that he remains committed to performing at Jah Prayzah and Rufaro Mukombe’s wedding when a new date is announced.
Mukanya is also expected to stage a public performance in December.
While Mapfumo has answered calls to return home, Majaivana appears determined that his departure from the stage will remain permanent.
His absence from the Highlanders celebration will be particularly painful for supporters because his music is deeply woven into the cultural identity of Bulawayo and the history of Bosso.
Centenary show goes ahead
The October 31 musical extravaganza will proceed with performances by some of Zimbabwe’s leading artists as part of Highlanders’ year-long centenary programme.
Event organiser and 3D Events director Mduduzi Mdlongwa said the occasion would allow supporters to celebrate the club’s journey since its establishment in 1926.
“We are Highlanders, it’s us and we need to celebrate our 100 years as abanikazi beBosso,” Mdlongwa said.
“October 31 will not be an ordinary day.”
He described Highlanders as an institution deserving of a major celebration during its centenary year.
“Bosso was, is and remains an institution that deserves a massive celebration in its centenary year,” he said.
Organisers are expected to announce the participating artists and the full programme as preparations for the celebration progress.
