AS Zimbabwe’s music industry evolves at a blistering pace, seasoned artistes risk fading into the background. But veteran drummer and arts manager Sam Mataure is defying both time and illness by organising a retirement celebration for music legend Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo, popularly known as Mukanya.
Mataure told NewsDay Life & Style that Mapfumo’s recent farewell shows in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and South Africa inspired him to ensure the icon receives a fitting send-off at home. The Zimbabwe leg of the farewell tour is set for May 30 at Glamis Arena in Harare, where Mapfumo is expected to perform his classic hits one last time on local soil.
Born in 1945 in Marondera, Mapfumo pioneered Chimurenga music, fusing traditional mbira rhythms with electric instrumentation. His sound became the soundtrack of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle in the 1970s. After forming the Acid Band and later The Blacks Unlimited, he created music synonymous with resistance and cultural pride.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Mapfumo released landmark albums, including Hokoyo! (1978), Gwindingwi Rine Shumba (1981), Ndangariro (1983), Mabasa (1983), Chamunorwa (1989), Corruption (1989), Hondo (1991), Chimurenga Explosion (2000), Rise Up (2005), Exile (2010), Danger Zone (2015) and Ndikutambire (2023).
In August last year, Mapfumo delivered an emotional farewell performance at New Bingley Hall in Birmingham, marking what many described as his final UK appearance. He followed it with a show in Johannesburg, where fans sang along to classics such as Shumba YeZimbabwe and Corruption.
Mataure, who joined Mapfumo’s band in July 1994 following the death of long-time drummer Saba Mbata, credits Mukanya for shaping his musical discipline.
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“Mukanya saw the talent in me and was very helpful in explaining some things about drumming on mbira music,” Mataure said.
“He used to say, ‘Don’t just bash the drums — play together with the band. Listen to what’s going on in the song and, most importantly, don’t get too excited when you’re playing because it’s a common problem most drummers have, and they end up speeding up the song.’”
Mapfumo’s influence extended beyond music. Mataure said the legend’s commitment to traditional mbira roots earned him global respect.
“He has never been forced to change the music to fit a particular market and that earned him respect worldwide. He has taken this music across the globe, putting Zimbabwe on the map.”
Looking ahead to the Harare farewell, Mataure reflected on its symbolism.
On May 30, I look forward to walking him onto the stage as he plays his last show in Zimbabwe. It’s not just a performance but a homecoming — an opportunity to thank his fans for their support, with his feet firmly on Zimbabwean soil to say, ‘Thank you, Zimbabwe, and farewell,’” he said.
Honouring icons like Mapfumo preserves national memory and cultural identity. Through song, music legends document history, shape social consciousness and influence political awareness. Recognising their contributions affirms artistic integrity, inspires younger musicians and strengthens continuity between generations.
In celebrating Mukanya, Zimbabwe honours resilience, authenticity and cultural pride.
Born on August 8, 1968, in Mutare, Mataure developed a passion for drums at an early age and played in his school marimba band. He later joined the Native Band and performed with the RUNN Family Band. His breakthrough came with the Ekhaya Band under Farai Patrick Mwayera before successfully auditioning to join Mapfumo in 1994.
He also worked with Andy Brown, the Savanna Jazz Band and Oliver Mtukudzi, whom he managed from 2007. Mataure performed internationally with Miriam Makeba and Judith Sephuma, and later became Mapfumo’s manager in 2019, bringing his
journey with Mukanya full circle.