Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo has said he has no reason to hate Wicknell Chivayo and described him as his “big fan”, while defending his decision to receive US$1 million to perform at musician Jah Prayzah’s star wedding and at a private ceremony to be hosted by Chivayo.
Mapfumo came under fire from critics, mainly opposition activists, who said he should have rejected Chivayo’s gift.
In 2024, Mapfumo turned down a US$500,000 package of gifts from Chivayo that included a house, a car and cash. At the time, he said his conscience would not allow him to accept what he considered to be “dirty money”.
But last month, Mapfumo accepted the new offer, saying the US$1 million was not a gift but payment for his services.
During a recent interview with Nehanda Radio, Mapfumo was asked why he was now accepting Chivayo’s gifts when he had previously rejected them.
“There’s nothing unusual about it. Didn’t you hear Chikomo saying Wicknell is a big fan of Mukanya? If he can buy my CDs and play them in his car, why should I ignore what he wants to do for me?” Mapfumo asked rhetorically.
“I don’t know where he gets his money. If he is a thief, why hasn’t he been arrested? If he is indeed a thief, arrest him and show the evidence that he is indeed a thief… why is he free if he is a thief?
“In fact, he has assisted several artists. Those musicians are struggling.”
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