Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo has dismissed as “false and malicious” reports suggesting that his upcoming Harare farewell show is in jeopardy, insisting the April concert will proceed as planned.
Speaking in a telephone interview from his base in the United States last week, Mapfumo — affectionately known as Mukanya — said there were no stumbling blocks surrounding the event and described claims of family resistance and financial distress as “fabrications”.
“The show is on. Let me make that very clear,” Mapfumo said.
“There are no problems, no family disputes stopping anything.
“People are just creating stories. In April, we will be in Harare, and we will perform.”
The veteran musician was responding to a report published by Standard Style, which claimed that internal family disagreements and alleged financial difficulties were threatening to derail his highly anticipated homecoming and farewell performance.
Mapfumo dismissed suggestions that he was struggling financially or dependent on his wife and daughter for survival in the United States.
“That is not true at all,” he said. “I am financially OK. I have worked for many years. I have investments and music that continues to sustain me.
“The story that I am being taken care of by my wife and daughter is false and disrespectful.”
He added: “People must stop trying to portray me as someone who has nothing. I am not desperate. I am not broke.”
The Chimurenga icon also refuted claims that his recent live performances in the United Kingdom and South Africa were commercial failures.
“Those shows were not flops,” Mapfumo said emphatically. “We had successful performances. The people who attended know what happened there. You cannot rewrite reality to suit a narrative.”
Mapfumo said preparations for the Harare farewell gig were at an advanced stage, with organisers working closely with his management team to ensure a memorable event for fans.
“Everything is moving according to plan,” he said.
“We are rehearsing, we are preparing, and we are looking forward to giving Zimbabweans a proper farewell show.”
He also rejected insinuations that political or security concerns would prevent him from travelling home.
“I have always spoken my mind, and I will continue to do so,” Mapfumo said.
“But right now, there is no issue stopping me from coming to perform for my people.”
Mapfumo said he remained focused on celebrating decades of Chimurenga music with his supporters.
“This farewell show is about the music and about the people who have supported me for years,” he said.
“Nothing is stopping it. In April, we will be there.”
The farewell gig is expected to draw fans from across Zimbabwe and the diaspora, marking what Mapfumo has described as a historic moment in his illustrious career.