Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo’s nephew, Kurai Makore, has urged Zimbabweans to respect the Chimurenga music legend’s decision to accept Wicknell Chivayo’s US$1 million deal to perform at two events this year.
The 81-year-old musician dominated discussions on social media on Monday after releasing a video confirming he had accepted the offer to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and at Chivayo’s birthday party.
Mapfumo, who had previously rejected gifts from Chivayo, said the planned performances were strictly a business deal.
This week, Chivayo said he would try to convince Mukanya to also accept a house in Borrowdale, which he would pay for, and a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series that he once offered the Chimurenga legend.
Mapfumo’s last major visit to Zimbabwe was in 2018, ending a 14-year absence.
Kurai, who leads the Black Lions and has Mukanya’s full support, said Chivayo was simply honouring one of Zimbabwe’s greatest musical legends.
“I have been seeing a lot of negative energy directed towards my uncle, and that alone does not make me happy,” said Kurai.
“Some people have been calling my father figure a sell-out, and I think they should withdraw those statements.
“It is a mockery of a living legend, and that nonsense has to stop.
“God rewards talent in mysterious ways and, in this case, Mukanya has been rewarded by someone who is not even related to him.”
Kurai said those attacking Mapfumo should prove what they have done to support him.
“I ask those keyboard warriors: what have they done for him?
“We need to be fair and allow our legend to make his own decisions.
“He has made his choice, and we should respect it.”
He added that Mukanya has done so much for this country, and this was the perfect opportunity to honour and celebrate his immense contribution to Zimbabwean music.
Kurai’s late father, Dominic Makore, was Thomas Mapfumo’s brother.
More: B-Metro
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