Zimbabwe: Music legend's $1M shows to go ahead despite Chivayo's death

Zimbabwean music legend Thomas Mapfumo says he will still honour his $1 million performance deal with late tycoon Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash.

Mapfumo said he was "deeply saddened" by Wednesday's crash that killed Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, two pilots and a security aide.

The 81-year-old US-based veteran, who travelled to Zimbabwe on 29 September, had been booked for two high-profile gigs – contemporary musician Jah Prayzah's wedding on 3 October and Chivayo's 44th birthday in November.

Jah Prayzah and his fiancée Rufaro Mukombe have postponed their wedding indefinitely following the death of Chivayo, saying the late tycoon was "more than a friend" and "family".

Controversial personality

Chivayo, a controversial businessman involved in energy and infrastructure contracts with governments, was known for his lavish lifestyle and ties with African heads of state.

In July, he offered Mapfumo $1 million, $500,000 per show, describing the legend as the "highest paid singer ever" in Zimbabwe.

The flamboyant tycoon said paying the amount was his "small way of thanking" the musician for his "immense contribution" to music and Zimbabwe.

Local media reported that Mapfumo, popularly known as "Mukanya", confirmed he was already paid "in full" and remains committed to performing once a new date is set.

Mapfumo created the Chimurenga music genre, blending traditional Shona sounds with liberation messages.

His songs united Zimbabweans during the independence struggle and later put him at odds with President Robert Mugabe's government after independence in 1980.

He has lived in self-exile in the US since 2005.

International reactions

Meanwhile, mourning and burial arrangements continue for the helicopter crash victims. Zimbabwean police identified the three other victims as Chivayo’s aide Senelisiwe Magagula, and pilots Captain Kelvin T. Soda and Captain Courage Mutavirwa.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the deaths left Zimbabwe "numbed" and in "deep shock and grief", hailing Chivayo's "grand vision" for Zimbabwe and Africa.

He described the family as "consummately philanthropic" and said Chivayo embodied "indigenous enterprise" with a human face.

Mourners gathered at Chivayo's rural home in Gandami to pray.

He and his wife were there overseeing the construction of their rural mansion and community structures before the helicopter carrying them went down about 40 minutes after take-off en route to Harare on 30 September. Authorities say they are investigating the cause.