By Agencies
CHIMURENGA music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo insists that his upcoming show in Zimbabwe in April will be his swansong before he retires from live performances.
After the much-anticipated show in Zimbabwe, Mukanya will return to his home in Oregon, United States, which has been his base for over two decades.
The 80-year-old revealed plans to focus on his car-dealing business.
In a wide-ranging interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Mukanya said he still considers himself Zimbabwean, despite holding American citizenship.
“I am definitely coming to Zimbabwe to hold my final farewell gig after having similar performances in England and South Africa last year,” he shared.
“Zimbabwe will always be my home, and I cannot run away from that because that is where my parents are buried, although I am now an American citizen. As we promised through Chimurenga Music Company, we decided to round up these gigs on home soil before I leave stage performances . . .
“My choice is to select where I want to stay, and I wish that borders worldwide be opened to let people travel as they please. For me, I have made America my preferred place to live, and no one can tell me what to do. I think I have answered that question clearly, as many people were eager to know my real plans.”
With six decades of professional music experience at international level, Mukanya believes he will adjust and pursue other challenges.
Portable speakers
“I will only quit live performances and concentrate on recording music and selling it online. I will also be doing car dealing to keep myself busy.”
He also revealed that he remains in touch with South African traditional leader Chief Livhuwani Matsila of Limpopo, who gave him a piece of land in 2022.
“I am still in touch with that chief from Limpopo and I spoke to him recently as he was checking up on me,” he said.
“The land I received from the South African chief belongs to my children and we are going to develop it. Whether we construct lodges or chalets is up to us and my children.”
Mukanya emphasised that settling in South Africa does not change his identity as a Zimbabwean.
“As I said, I am Zimbabwean, and if I develop that place in South Africa, it does not mean I do not love my country. We need to be clear on that note, and I am ready to occupy that land in Limpopo when the time is right to do so.”
The Chimurenga music guru reiterated his wish to be buried in Zimbabwe.
“I have not changed my mind because that has always been my wish — to be buried in my motherland. My remains will be interred in Zimbabwe because that is where my father and mother were buried,” he emphasised.
“It would not make sense for me to be buried overseas when I have a well-known home of my choice, which is Zimbabwe.”
Reflecting on his lengthy career, Mukanya indicates that his longevity was due to the authenticity of his art.
“When I urge local musicians to be original, sometimes I am misunderstood. Some claim I am jealous, while others say I am loud-mouthed, which is not true at all,” he said.
“Our Zimbabwean music is unique and that is why the likes of myself, Tuku (Oliver Mtukudzi) and Marshall Munhumumwe were adored everywhere. There was a time when many local artistes imitated foreigners to an extent that rhumba nearly eclipsed us at some point, which is quite unfortunate.”
He added: “I will continue preaching this gospel of originality until I die and I will not stop spreading that message because we can do better as Zimbabweans. This nation has a lot of talent, but the problem is we do not want to be original because we are obsessed with copying, which has led us to lose our identity.”
Despite all the years he has lived overseas, Mukanya revealed that he misses his friends and family back home.
“To be honest with you, I miss my friends back home and would always want to catch up with them, having fun as we used to do. Another thing I miss is the organic food in Zimbabwe, unlike overseas, where most dishes contain chemicals.
“I miss everything about Zimbabwe, and it will always remain my homeland, despite my settling overseas.”
One thing for certain is Mukanya is split between Zimbabwe and foreign land.
According to him, and in multiple interviews with this publication, he insists he is not under anyone’s influence and expresses his deep-seated love for Zimbabwe.
But, as it stands, he wants to stay in America while pursuing business interests in South Africa, with his final resting place remaining in Zimbabwe.
This complex situation highlights Mukanya’s struggle between his roots and his current circumstances.
His journey reflects the intricacies of identity and belonging, and it raises questions about how one can honour one’s heritage while navigating new opportunities.
In the end, Mukanya’s story is a testament to the enduring connection between home and self, regardless of borders.
-ZwPapers
