By Thomas Pablo Mapako .
Dr. Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo, affectionately known as Mukanya or the Lion of Zimbabwe, is set to grace Harare with his iconic Chimurenga sounds once again.
The legendary musician has accepted invitations to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding in August and Sir Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday housewarming celebration later in the year.
Reports indicate each performance commands a substantial fee of $500,000 , the highest ever for a Zimbabwean artist , marking a triumphant return after years in exile.
This is not charity work. Mukanya is coming home to do his favorite job: making music that has inspired generations, united people across divides, and chronicled Zimbabwe’s struggles and triumphs.
As a pioneering figure whose revolutionary lyrics helped fuel the liberation struggle and whose voice has remained a beacon of cultural pride, Dr. Mapfumo deserves to be celebrated, not criticized, for accepting professional opportunities in his homeland.
Even though Mukanya was a vocal critic of Mugabe, the late president honoured him with an honorary doctorate from the University of Zimbabwe , the country’s top university, a powerful testament to how big and respected Mukanya truly is.
Hypocrisy of the Critics:
The loudest critics seem to forget a basic principle, professionals have the right to earn a living by plying their trade for anyone who engages their services.
Artists are no different from lawyers, doctors, or accountants in this regard. Consider the many opposition figures who are lawyers.
They routinely represent ZANU PF clients, government officials, or entities linked to the ruling party in courts across the country. When challenged, they rightly defend themselves by saying they are simply doing their legal duty ,providing professional services to any client regardless of political affiliation, religion, or personal beliefs.
They argue that the legal profession demands impartial service to justice and clients. Yet the same voices attack Mukanya for singing at private events?
That is the height of hypocrisy. Prominent examples include constitutional lawyer and former opposition leader Simboti, whose actions in opposition structures have at times aligned with or facilitated outcomes benefiting ZANU PF’s parliamentary position.
Other opposition aligned lawyers have represented high profile ZANU PF figures in various matters over the years, from civil disputes to more sensitive cases, without facing the same level of public outrage.
They operate under the principle that legal work is professional service, not political endorsement. Why apply a different standard to a musician?
Mukanya has every right to perform. His art transcends narrow politics, just as lawyers’ briefs do. Singling him out while excusing others reveals selective outrage rather than principled concern.
At the heart of these celebrations is Sir Wicknell Chivayo , a proud son of Chivhu , a self made businessman who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Zimbabwe’s most visible philanthropists.
Sir Wicknell is our home boy done good. From his roots in the Gandami area of Chivhu, he has built an empire through hard work and vision. More importantly, he gives back to his community and the nation on a massive scale, donating cars, supporting women’s empowerment programs, funding community projects, and uplifting countless individuals.
His birthday celebrations are not just personal milestones but opportunities to spread wealth and create joy. Zimbabwe needs more such energetic entrepreneurs who combine business success with visible generosity. Sir Wicknell is doing a great job helping his community and showcasing what determined sons of the soil can achieve.
Hosting Mukanya is another feather in his cap, bringing cultural giants home and creating unforgettable moments for fans.
When Mukanya’s house in Domboshava was tragically razed by fire in September 2024, well wishers launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise funds for rebuilding, with hopes of turning it into an arts centre.
Despite the legend’s immense contributions to Zimbabwean culture and his fearless advocacy, the effort struggled significantly , raising far less than targeted (reports suggested only around $1,000 in early stages against a $7,000 goal).
Critics who now question his professional choices were largely silent or contributed minimally when concrete help was needed. Mukanya never begged for handouts. He is a proud artist accepting fair compensation for his craft. The failure of that fundraiser stands in stark contrast to the opportunities now presented , opportunities funded by private individuals exercising their own economic freedom.
Artists, Like Lawyers, Serve Everyone.
The principle is simple and universal: An artist has the right to perform for any audience that values their work, just as a lawyer has the right to represent any client.
Politics should not dictate professional livelihoods in a free society. Mukanya’s music belongs to all Zimbabweans , liberation veterans, young revelers at weddings, businesspeople hosting celebrations, and ordinary citizens who grew up dancing to “Gandanga”.
His return is cause for national pride. After years away due to past political pressures, the Lion is roaring again on home soil. Let us welcome him with open arms, celebrate his legend, and respect his choices as a professional doing what he does best.
Zimbabwe deserves to enjoy its cultural heroes without petty gatekeeping. Mukanya is coming home to sing , and we should all be dancing.
Forward with the music. Forward with unity in culture.
