Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo offered $1 million to music icon Thomas Mapfumo to perform at his birthday party and also at the wedding of musician Jah Prayzah.
Zimbabwean businessman and socialite Wicknell Chivayo has sparked yet another debate on social media.
He has offered $1 million to music icon Thomas Mapfumo to perform at his birthday party and the wedding of musician Jah Prayzah. That’s $500,000 for each event.
In a post on Instagram on 13 July, the controversial businessman said this will make Mapfumo ‘’the highest paid singer ever’’ in the history of Zimbabwe.
So, why is Chivayo paying such a huge amount for just two shows – at birthday and wedding celebrations?
The Zimbabwean businessman, who is known for rubbing shoulders with African presidents, said the payment is a tribute to the legendary musician Thomas Mapfumo, who is popularly known as Mukanya.
The 43-year-old mogul, whose businesses span energy and infrastructure, described the cash payment as his ‘’small way of thanking’’ Mapfumo for his ‘’immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s music and arts industry.’’
Chivayo particularly hailed Mapfumo for the ‘’inspiration’’ he provided during Zimbabwe’s liberation and independence struggle, saying his music educated, united, and comforted generations of Zimbabweans and that his ‘’legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.’’
Music legend
Chivayo, who was born on 22 November 1982, hinted that the planned performances by the music legend could happen between mid-November and December.
Mapfumo has accepted Chivayo’s offer in a message on social media, saying he will return to Zimbabwe from the US where he currently lives.
The 81-year-old legendary musician said his planned return is purely ‘’professional’’ and not politically motivated.
Thomas Mapfumo’s music career spanned several decades. He created and popularised the Chimurenga music genre, which blends traditional Zimbabwean sounds with political and social messages.
Singing in his Shona language with a distinctive voice and slow-moving but powerful style, Mapfumo was one of the instrumental voices that helped Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence from British colonialists.
After independence in 1980, he also often clashed with authorities over governance during the rule of Robert Mugabe.
He has been living in self-imposed exile in the US since 2005 but had visited the southern African country in 2018 to perform at a concert.
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