Renowned Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo, who is currently self-exiled in the United States, is demanding the return of five vehicles seized by police in 2000.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/standard-style/article/200031378/mapfumo-demands-return-of-seized-vehicles">The Standard</a> from the US, Mapfumo claimed that the allegations of him buying stolen BMWs were unfounded.
He said that the individuals who sold him the cars were still freely moving around Zimbabwe, suggesting that his arrest was unjustified.
Mapfumo further alleged that the seizure of his vehicles was politically motivated and that this incident ultimately led him to flee Zimbabwe for the United States in 2004. He said:
<blockquote>
When they impounded my cars, the police claimed I had bought stolen cars. Surprisingly, George Shugo, who sold the cars to me, was never arrested.
They seemed intent on punishing me for my criticism of ZANU PF. The cars were simply parked at Morris Depot.
Due to continued persecution, I left Zimbabwe. My associate, Cuthbert Chirombo, was called to take the cars because no one had come forward to claim ownership.
Chirombo went to see the cars and arranged to pick them up a week later. Unfortunately, when he returned, the cars were missing.
</blockquote>
The Chimurenga musician said despite the seizure of the cars on allegations they were stolen, no one was ever charged. He said:
<blockquote>
I never stole cars, and no one was ever charged. I want my cars back, and the case is with my lawyers.
My lawyer, Warara, said they want me to return to Zimbabwe and present my case. That could be a trap by Mnangagwa’s regime.
</blockquote>
Mapfumo claims that his vocal criticism of the late former president Robert Mugabe’s administration led to his persecution, ultimately forcing him to flee Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Renowned Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo wants his cars back after they were taken by the police in 2000. He says he didn't buy stolen cars like the police claimed. He thinks they took his cars because he criticized the government. No one was charged with selling him stolen cars. Mapfumo left Zimbabwe in 2004 because of the persecution. He wants his cars back and is working with his lawyers to get them. He worries that returning to Zimbabwe to get his cars could be a trap.

Thomas Mapfumo Demands Return Of Seized Vehicles

Self-exiled Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo has rejected claims that he is considering returning home after he was offered various gifts by Wicknell Chivayo, an ex-convict and alleged tenderpreneur.
Mapfumo, who has been living in self-imposed exile for many years, is an outspoken critic of the government and has accused the governing ZANU PF party of corruption.
Chivayo offered Mapfumo a US$700,000 package which included a furnished house, a Toyota Landcruiser SUV and US$100,000 in cash to entice him to return to Zimbabwe, which the latter rejected.
Mapfumo’s manager, Sam Mataure, was recently quoted by The NewsHawks as saying he was expecting to meet with Chivayo to discuss the offer.
However, in an audio sent to <a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2024/05/17/please-stop-soiling-my-name-thomas-mapfumo-tells-wicknell-chivayo/">Nehanda Radio</a> and Chivayo, Mapfumo made his feelings clear. He said:
<blockquote>
Hello Wicknell, let me tell you, please stop soiling my name. If what you think you doing is good, go ahead without involving my name, don’t soil my name by talking nonsense about me. I don’t know you and I have never met you.
I just heard about you on the news. I don’t hate you, just leave my name alone. Don’t play with my name. Don’t involve me in your dealings.
I don’t want to be exchanging insults with you Wicknell. You are too young for me to be dealing with you, I am 78 years old now and cannot be seen trading insults with you. I ask you again to leave my name alone.
I hear you love my music, let it end there. Don’t talk about other things. If what you think you are doing is okay, that’s okay, but leave my name alone. I don’t want to be involved in your issues. Please respect me.
</blockquote>
Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ministry permanent secretary Ndavaningi “Nick” Mangwana was cited as saying Mapfumo is free to return home. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>
We have had conversations with Mr Thomas Mapfumo’s handlers, including Mukanya himself on the phone.
He wants to hold his swan song in Zimbabwe but he is scared that he will be arrested. For what?
Nobody is interested in him. At the culmination of the Second Republic, President ED did not declare a single Zimbabwean a persona non grata (PNG).
On the contrary, he asserted every Zimbabwean’s cardinal right to come home (including during COVID-19 lockdowns).
“Mr Mapfumo and many other Zimbabweans did come home without any restrictions. Some continued their activities within and without the country afterwards.
We are a democratic State and we don’t arrest people for free speech that doesn’t break our laws.
Mr Mapfumo is a soon-to-be octogenarian, and we wish him well in his remaining years.
He has a lot of fans and detractors. That’s life. See you in Zimbabwe Mukanya.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Leave My Name Alone", Thomas Mapfumo Tells Wicknell Chivayo

Wickell Chivayo strongly criticized journalist Hopewell Chin’ono in response to his remarks following musician Thomas Mapfumo’s refusal of a contentious businessperson’s car and home gifts.
In an interview with Nehanda Radio last Monday, Mapfumo emphatically refuted allegations that he had accepted an alluring offer from Chivayo, asserting, “I’m not the kind of person to be swayed by bribes.”
Mapfumo expressed surprise at receiving a phone call from Chivayo just before retiring for the night the previous.
Chin’ono observed that Mapfumo’s refusal of Chivayo’s gifts demonstrated his unwavering principles.
Chin’ono’s comments, however, did not go down well with Chivayo, who described him as a “half-witted and failed pseudo-journalist”. Chivayo posted on social media:
<blockquote>
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT…..I normally prefer not to respond to comments, especially from a HALF-WITTED and FAILED pseudo journalist like Hopewell, but let me spare some time during my busy schedule in the USA to address this issue concerning our CHIMURENGA music icon, Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo.
It’s an OPEN SECRET that I offered Mukanya a small token of US$700,000 in recognition of his REMARKABLE contribution during the liberation struggle.
His music was an inspiration to the SECOND CHIMURENGA which ushered political and economic independence that we all celebrate today.
In good faith, I offered to buy him a fully furnished house of his choice in the low-density suburbs of Harare, a brand new 2024 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER VXR or equivalent worth 200 thousand dollars and US$100,000 pocket money to make his twilight retirement in Zimbabwe more comfortable as an 81-year-old celebrated music icon.
</blockquote>
Chivayo said Mapfumo is living in poverty in the United States of America and that he desires the Chimurenga maestro to return home and enjoy his retirement. He said:
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My gesture was not on account of any political consideration but an olive branch being extended to an aged man who has been living in abjection and self-imposed exile from a country whose independence he contributed towards.
It is highly REGRETTABLE that opportunistic and rent-seeking POLITICAL STOOGES like Hopewell thrive on peddling FALSEHOODS that my generosity is an attempt to ‘bribe’ Mukanya. What a SHAME!
</blockquote>
He also mocked Chin’ono over his arrest in June 2020 on allegations of incitement to public violence. Said Chivayo:
<blockquote>
No HOPE comes from a bitter person who languished in remand PRISON alone after being deserted by the so-called opposition. I remember on TV I could see the cold sores all over his face dripping puss during his incarceration 😂😂🙆‍♂️.
Chakanzwa buttercup uko kunoda vane mapepa akachena chete…They only posted “FREE HOPEWELL” with the hope of getting some more followers on social media.
Very sad and his concubines and his family must have suffered in his absence…Quite a HOPELESS group with no political philosophy, identity or direction!
These opposition sympathisers and “SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISTS” thrive on DECEPTION and have nothing but BITTERNESS towards young successful businessmen like myself because their FALLACY of being in power never materialized.
</blockquote>
Chivayo also made fun of Job Sikhala, who was also arrested for inciting public violence in June 2022 following the murder of Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime. He said:
<blockquote>
The same is true with Job Sikhala who wallowed in solitary confinement whilst ana HOPEWERO drank donated whiskey and spent the few pounds begged from their Western handlers.
Dumbu rakazopera JOBHO asara ega mujeri with no HOPE, no respected lawyer to represent him, no money – only time to practice Mandela’s voice. That’s CCC for you, unokwidzwa ndege yemashanga asi unodonha wega. Do not be misguided Mukanya.
</blockquote>
Chivayo pleaded with Mapfumo to accept his gifts, saying the offer would be “life changing for him”, warning him against being “deceived” by “hopeless online sycophants”. He said:
<blockquote>
Whether MUKANYA accepts my offer or not does not change my handsome bank balance or will it deter my PHILANTHROPIC work? ITS HIS LOSS…Munongoramba muri BUTSU MUTHANDARIKA muri ikoko ku America…You must never be deceived by these hopeless online sycophants that rejecting this LIFE-CHANGING offer will make you an overnight hero.
</blockquote>
He, however, criticised Mukanya for saying the likes of Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso accepted car gifts because they were poor. Said Chivayo:
<blockquote>
I also find Mukanya’s description and comments of fellow musicians Jah Prayzer and Macheso as ‘poor’ to be DISGRACEFUL, especially considering his destitution in a foreign land.
The last time he was in Zimbabwe he had nowhere to stay and eventually slept in Phillip Chiyangwa’s garage 🙆‍♂️🙆‍♂️🤦‍♂️… This should make everyone understand the GOLDEN opportunity for Mukanya to be a homeowner and retire HONOURABLY.
I come in PEACE, with the genuine intention to assist and uplift the heroes still living amongst us. There is NO political mileage to be gained from this gesture just as i have done since joining my wonderful church in 2008, i’ve spent huge amounts of money whole heartedly buying my fellow JOHANNE MASOWE followers houses, cars and paying for their children’s university fees local and overseas amongst other things.
Looking in retrospect in the same way i donated US$1 Million to ZIFA in 2016 and just like i paid air tickets and assisted in the repatriation of Zimbabwean girls who had been trafficked to Kuwait, I have now extended my benevolence to MUKANYA for no political reason, but just out of kindness and compassion.
Assisting the less privileged is my calling which i will always answer to. The inference that my generosity is motivated by any other reason is DELUSIONAL and ILL-CONCEIVED in epic proportions. 
My offer still stands Mukanya, make the right choice. Come and enjoy the fruits of your selfless sacrifice and we will certainly welcome you with OPEN ARMS.
Come back home and join the REVOLUTIONARY PARTY which you tirelessly supported in hard times.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chivayo Mocks Chin'ono And Sikhala Over Imprisonment; Begs Thomas Mapfumo To Accept His Gifts

Self-exiled Chimurenga music legend, Thomas Mapfumo, has firmly denied allegations that he accepted an enticing offer from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
The offer reportedly included a US$200,000 luxury car and a US$300,000 home. Mapfumo, known for his principled stance, refuted the claims, asserting that he is not susceptible to bribery.
Speaking exclusively to <a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2024/03/18/thomas-mapfumo-responds-to-wicknell-chivayos-offer-im-not-that-type/">Nehanda Radio</a> on Monday, March 18, Mapfumo said he was surprised to receive a phone call from Chivayo before he went to bed on Sunday evening. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes I know he likes my music. He called me before I went to bed and told me he was in New York on a visit. I asked him how his family was and that was that.
</blockquote>
It would appear Chivayo took a screenshot of his phone call to Mapfumo and that is being used by many bloggers to claim Mapfumo called Chivayo when that was not the case.
Posting on his social media pages, Chivayo encouraged Mapfumo to publicly renounce past criticism of ZANU PF, as he dangled the prospect of a luxury vehicle and house should he do so.
This offer came after Mapfumo last week criticised musicians that were begging for vehicles from Chivayo.
Speaking in an interview with Nehanda TV, Mapfumo said:
<blockquote>
Ma musicians aya varombo. Vapfanha ava musavaseka kuti varikutambira motikari because haasati amboona motikari yakadaro.
Ndakanzwa Jah Prayzah achitenda kuti, ‘Ndatenda zvikuru nechipo chenyu.’ Haasati amboiona motikari yakadaro.
</blockquote>
Mapfumo also lambasted Chivayo and the ZANU PF-led government for donating expensive cars to musicians while doing nothing to equip public hospitals. He said:
<blockquote>
We’re in this situation because of poverty. They are accepting all these beautiful cars because they can’t afford them.
I saw Jah Prayzah thanking him (Wicknell Chivayo) after receiving a car that he had never seen.
You’re giving cars to musicians, yet they already have their own cars, which they bought through their own means.
Why can’t you just channel that money to hospitals? Our roads are in a bad state, and people are living in poverty.
Our fight is not for certain individuals to get a good living but for everyone to come out of poverty.
</blockquote>
In response, Chivayo said Mapfumo had fallen on hard times, a situation that could be corrected if he apologised to the ruling party. He wrote on social media:
<blockquote>
As much as I love his music kusekana kwana kamba kwe ku sekana makwati…Iye anei? [He] came to Zim and was stranded and had nowhere to stay.
The opposition will use you and never help you. Kufira fame pa social media chete.
Makura Mukanya and your music made a significant contribution to the liberation struggle.
Apologise publicly for being led astray, modzoka to your founding principles and values.
Straight away as my best musician of all time mouya ndokutengerai mota brand new of your choice ye 200 thousand USD ne imba ye 300 thousand USD all registered in your name.
Inga makaimba mukati Dai Tenzi vaiziva zvavo vaitora hurombo vorasa vagopawo hupfumi kuvanhu vago yamura vano shupika vagotipawo neche kudyawo.
Ndiro rufaro pa Zimbabwe Sir Wicknell vari kuita zvinogara zvakadaro but all in the name of ZANU PF the ruling party. Jah is enjoying his latest shape S class zvakaipei?? Zvinovengwa ne muroyi chete.
DZOKAYI KUNE VAMWE MUKANYA party iyi inonzi ZANU PF zviri pachena ichatonga kusvika narini. Nyangwe mukandituka music yenyu ndoridza chete…
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thomas Mapfumo Denies Accepting Luxury Car And Home Offer From Wicknell Chivayo

Self-exiled musician Thomas Mapfumo reportedly said Zimbabweans cannot change the government through elections but should resort to peaceful protests to change the current political status quo.
Mapfumo said President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power in an unconstitutional manner and therefore will never surrender power through elections. <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/standard-style/article/200008986/forget-about-elections-says-mukanya">The Standard</a> quoted Mapfumo as saying:
<blockquote>
Zimbabweans must understand who they are really dealing with, [President Emmerson] Mnangagwa took over power from (Robert) Mugabe in an unconstitutional manner and he will never let go of that power simply through a ballot box.
People in Zimbabwe must wake up and smell the coffee, forget about elections, and go out in the streets.
We have seen this happen in other countries such as Egypt and that’s the only way you can remove this leadership, which has dragged the country into poverty.
</blockquote>
Mapfumo accused the ZANU PF government led by the late former President Robert Mugabe of corruption, adding that Mnangagwa’s administration is perpetuating graft. He said:
<blockquote>
US$15 billion just disappeared during the Mugabe era, no one was held accountable for that money.
Imagine what that money was going to do to the health care, education, food security and jobs in the country but we have a few people enjoying such a big loot with their families.
Mnangagwa is doing the same, he is looting the country with his family and few friends whilst Zimbabweans are dying because there is no health care and no food on the table.
Something must be done to remove this oppressive government and that can only be through going out into the streets and defending your right.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is set to hold general elections in July or August this year.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thomas Mapfumo Says Protests, And Not Elections, Will Remove ZANU PF From Power

Exiled Chimurenga musician <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Thomas_Mapfumo">Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo</a> says he will not be able to travel to Zimbabwe for the burial of his late brother Lancelot as he fears for his life.
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/thomas-mapfumos-percussionist-and-brother-lancelot-mapfumo-dies/">Lancelot who died last month</a> was a percussionist, one of the founding members of the Blacks Unlimited, and a brother to Mukanya. 
In an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/standard-style/article/200001330/mapfumo-fears-for-his-life">Standard Style</a> from his United States base on Friday, Mapfumo said he will not make the trip to Zimbabwe for the burial of Lancelot. He said:
<blockquote>
Lancelot was my brother, workmate and friend. I and the band have lost someone we worked with throughout our lives. It won’t be possible to fill his gap.
Lancelot will be buried in Zimbabwe, his homeland. We are making arrangements to bring his body from here.
Unfortunately, I won’t make the trip to Zimbabwe because of political reasons, as you know I am not a favourite of the government.
I fear for my life and safety if I come to Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Mukanya has been living in the United States for many years after fleeing persecution during the Robert Mugabe era. He was a critic of the regime.
Mapfumo is also critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime.
He says Zimbabwe is not moving forward adding that the current government has failed the people and the gains of liberation have been wiped off. He added:
<blockquote>
I am totally against the Mnangagwa regime. People, the young people should take into the streets and remove Mnangagwa.
I hate an oppressor, that’s why I am in exile. If it was to me I would be living large in Zimbabwe with farms and stealing money like they do, but I decided to stand with the people.
</blockquote>
He said he stands with the oppressed, a message inherent in his music. 
Mapfumo was imprisoned during the Smith regime and after independence criticised the new black government led by Robert Mugabe for corruption.
He was targeted and harassed prompting him to move to the United States in the late 1990s.
After Mugabe’s overthrow in 2017, Mapfumo returned to Zimbabwe in 2018, to a massive show named ‘Homecoming Bira’ in the capital.
He returned to his base after a four-month-long visit, but Mapfumo now claims that he is not safe from political danger.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"I Fear For My Life And Safety If I Come To Zimbabwe" - Thomas Mukanya Mapfumo

Thomas Mapfumo’s brother and percussionist, Lancelot Mapfumo has died.
Lancelot was one of two of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Thomas_Mapfumo">Thomas Mapfumo</a>‘s brothers who played with the Blacks Unlimited for the longest time. Details about his death are still sketchy.
Messages of condolence have started pouring. Pindula News presents some of the messages:
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<h2 dir="auto">Madyira @MitchellMGumbo:</h2>
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<blockquote>
Waking up to the painful news that long-serving Blacks’ Unlimited percussionist and brother to Thomas Mapfumo, Lancelot Mapfumo “has passed the surly bonds of the Earth to touch the face of God”… RIP. You made Chimurenga music to be the fire it is!
</blockquote>
<h2> hudsonmwafulirwa @babahuddy:</h2>
<blockquote>
Oh really bad news what a loss may soul rest in peace my God the band will never be the same I really enjoyed the ngoma he played
</blockquote>
<h2>Taka @Taka_Shaya:</h2>
<blockquote>
So sad. Rest in peace Lancelot. The story of Thomas Mapfumo and his music is never complete without you.
</blockquote>
<h2>Earground:</h2>
<blockquote>
Deepest condolences on the death of Thomas Mapfumo’s backup singer/percussionist and his brother Lancelot Mapfumo. Lancelot was one of two of Mapfumo‘s brothers who played with the Blacks Unlimited for the longest time. More details to follow. Our deepest condolences. MHRIP.
</blockquote>
<h2>Fr. Reki @FrReki:</h2>
<blockquote>
Lancelot’s loyalty was noble and venerable. He was a true man rasta committed to the Chimurenga movement. Ohh we will miss his devotion on the drums and his passion for music. Fare thee well son of Chimurenga Vibes.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Thomas Mapfumo's Percussionist And Brother Lancelot Mapfumo Dies

Thomas Mapfumo has appealed to the international community to intervene in Zimbabwe and stop the country from sliding into a one party-state under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a letter addressed to the US Congressional Black Caucus, African Union, Amnesty International, US States Department, European Union, United Nations, SADC, Black Lives Matter, and the ANC of South Africa, the United States-based Chimurenga musician claimed that corruption has become entrenched under the so-called New Dispensation.
He accused Mnangagwa’s family members and close friends including Cabinet members of milking the country’s coffers and parcelling national assets to the Chinese. Said Mapfumo:
<blockquote>It’s even more aggravating because his family members and close friends including Cabinet members are at the front of most of the corruption scandals that are milking the national coffers.
The President is breeding more corruption due to government lack of inertia to implement measures to criminalise corruption and have culprits processed through the criminal justice system.
The President has openly failed to condemn corruption because his hand is in most of the scandals so he finds it hard to condemn because his hands are tied.</blockquote>
Mapfumo also bemoaned what he considers the use of the legal system to punish critics, with some individuals languishing in jail without proper trial.
He implored the international community to use diplomatic pressure on Zimbabwe to force the government to avert a developing crisis in the country. Said Mapfumo:
<blockquote>It has also become clear that President Mnangagwa plans to have a one-party state in Zimbabwe.
He has invested in a number of mechanisms to harass members of the opposition, to infiltrate them using state resources and to disempower and intimidate them.
Free speech is now out of reach as many live in fear of being followed or abducted in the open.
It is a very dangerous environment now if one tries to belong or to identify with the opposition.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mapfumo-calls-for-un-intervention-to-stop-zimbabwes-growing-crisis/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Thomas Mapfumo Pleads For Foreign Intervention To Resolve Zimbabwean Crisis

Chimurenga musician, Thomas Mukanya Mapfumo has bemoaned the deteriorating state of affairs in Zimbabwe adding that the have-nots are the ones who suffer from the man-made problems.
He said that toxic politics and mismanagement of the country’s resources has crippled the country. Commenting on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “2030 ndeendichipo” (2030 I will still be there) Mukanya said that “Uchiitei ipapo” (doing what”.
He added that if ZANU PF has failed, they must give power to others who have the capacity. He also said that Zimbabweans should be united and go beyond party politics. Mukanya also urged Zimbabweans to be resolute if they want to effect political change.
Mapfumo also blamed the opposition MDC for partaking in the 2018 elections which they claimed were stolen by the ruling ZANU PF. He said reforms should have been effected first before elections.
He also spoke of 2023 elections, anticipated dialogue between ZANU PF and MDC which shall be mediated by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Watch the video below for more.
More: <a href="https://youtu.be/DV3Tseu3JD0">Nehanda TV</a>

WATCH: Thomas Mukanya Mapfumo Ridicules Mnangagwa's "2030 Ndeendichipo" Remarks

Thomas ‘Mukanya’ Mapfumo has written an open letter to President Emmerson expressing his sadness over the hardships people of Zimbabwe are experiencing.
Mukanya penned the missive soon after he landed in the United States of America. He was in Zimbabwe since late December 2018 until a few weeks ago when he returned to his adopted home. Wrote Mapfumo:
<blockquote>The last few months that I have been here in Zimbabwe, afforded me the opportunity to experience real life our people are living.
I visited a lot of places including hospitals and schools around the country and my heart was very sad to see how things have deteriorated to this extent.
I would like to appeal to the President of Zimbabwe, Baba Emmerson Mnangagwa and the rest of the government to work hard and restore the country back to its former glory.
Zimbabwe is a beautiful country and we would like to see our children and grandchildren grow up and live in a well-run environment.
I have composed and sung songs highlighting the plight of our country hoping this would help our government to do something about it.
The welfare of our country is the most important thing more than anything else. Let us stop fighting each other as political parties and focus of working on rebuilding our country.</blockquote>
Mapfumo said refuted claims that he supports opposition MDC president Nelson Chamisa;
<blockquote>Nelson Chamisa (MDC president) is a Zimbabwean. Talking to him does not mean I have joined his party. I am not a politician.
My call is for Zimbabweans to talk and unite for the good of our country. On that score, I will talk to everyone across political persuasions.</blockquote>
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<h4><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/cottco-suspends-managers-over-thomas-mapfumo-jingles/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cottco Suspends Managers Over Thomas Mapfumo Jingles</a></h4>
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<h4><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/musicians-not-free-criticise-gov-mapfumo-winky-d/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">‘Musicians Not Free To Criticise Gov’, Thomas Mapfumo Speaks On Winky D</a></h4>
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<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mukanyas-love-letter-to-mnangagwa/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Thomas Mapfumo Tells ED; Work Hard & Restore Zim's Former Glory

In an interview with The Standard, Thomas Mapfumo denied rumours he is staying in Zimbabwe with a girlfriend.
There have been rumours, Mapfumo,who came back home from his United States base in December for nationwide shows, has prolonged his stay in Zimbabwe because of a certain Harare woman. Leaked WhatsApp chats of some Mapfumo’s relatives suggested that they were not happy about his decision not to return to Oregon soon after his shows. Said Mapfumo:
<blockquote>I am not staying with a girlfriend. I am actually sleeping alone, but there are some people whom I used to work with like Blessing Vava, my former publicist, who is staying in South Africa, who are trying to soil my image by spreading rumours. I have a lot of female friends not only in Zimbabwe, but also in England and the United Kingdom who call me, some we have photos with, but this does not mean they are my girlfriends. I am a principled man who values his family. I am not into prostitution and I don’t have a girlfriend, but people are bitter and want to soil my image.</blockquote>
He said one of the reasons he had not yet returned to the US was because he was working on the construction of a culture centre in Domboshava. Mapfumo said the other reason he could not leave immediately after his Peace Tour was that the promoter was refusing to pay him and his band.
More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2019/03/17/mapfumo-breathes-fire/">Standard</a>

Mapfumo Denies Girlfriend Rumours, Reveals Why He's Still In Zim

Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo has said Zanu-PF politicians are behind piracy in Zimbabwe.
Mapfumo said he tried to engage Government last April, through the former Arts minister Kazembe Kazembe, but up to now nothing has changed. He said artists should march to the Parliament House with placards, protesting against this abuse and violation of their rights. Said Mapfumo:
<blockquote>I have carried a research on the causes of music piracy in our industry and the results are shocking. Political heavyweights are the ones who own factories of music piracy in Zimbabwe and for this reason, piracy is not ending. Imagine the factories of music piracy were guarded by Zanu PF youths. That’s not how it should be done; political heavyweights are killing youngsters’ music industry. The government is reluctant to solve problems in the music industry because the big fish are benefiting from the rot. What the leaders are doing to youngsters is what was described by Bob Marley when he said kill them before they grow.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/03/07/mukanya-blasts-politicians-over-piracy">Daily News</a>

Zanu-PF Chiefs Benefiting From Music Piracy- Thomas Mapfumo

The much-publicised Thomas Mapfumo’s Peace Tour show failed to take off in Gweru on Friday night. Mukanya, as he is affectionately called by his fans, did not perform as anticipated at the Gweru Golf Club due to a problem with a power cable. Engineers reportedly failed to fix the problem on time and the show had to be cancelled.
There was also commotion as a result of the high entrance charges of US$10 or $40 in Bond/RTGS and EcoCash. Some suspected machete-wielding gold panners allegedly forced themselves into the venue shouting “Tinozvidira jecha. Where do you think we can get the United States dollars.”
An eyewitness who spoke to the Standard said
<blockquote>How can you say in the whole of Gweru you can fail to get a cable for power? The organisers of the show did their part and were assured that all was going to be well. Actually, some people tampered with a power point near the stage leaving us with only the alternative of seeking power from the main switch, which was over 20m away. It was clear sabotage.</blockquote>
Thomas Mapfumo’s publicity manager Blessing Vava apologised profusely for the disappointment. He said
<blockquote>It was so unfortunate and we would like to apologise to our fans. What happened was beyond our control. We came well-prepared to roll and we had done our homework, but the issue of the cable could just not be solved.
I would not want to play the blame game as of now. My word is that we are just very sorry to our fans and all who had come to meet Mukanya.
On behalf of Entertainment Republic, we would like to express our utmost apology to all the Chimurenga fans who attended our leg of the Gweru Peace Tour,” read the statement posted on the organisers’ Facebook page.
Dr Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited could not perform due to technical difficulties that were unforeseen to us. Dr Mapfumo was ready to perform and he cherishes the time he got to meet and greet his fans.
Please be advised all the other shows will continue as planned. A new date will be announced for the Gweru show. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.</blockquote>
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<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/21/thomas-mapfumo-releases-peace-tour-dates-and-venues/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Thomas Mapfumo Releases Peace Tour Dates And Venues</a></h3>
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<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/11/09/thomas-mapfumo-back-next-month-for-peace-tour/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Thomas Mapfumo Back Next Month For ‘Peace Tour’</a></h3>
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<h3>More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2018/12/09/mukanya-gweru-show-flops/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Standard</a></h3>

Thomas Mapfumo's Gweru Show Flops Due To Power Outage

Blessing Vava the publicist for Chimurenga Music maestro Thomas Mapfumo, has revealed that Mapfumo is interested in staging another gig. This comes after the success of his first show in Zimbabwe in 14 years which took place in April. Speaking to Daily News, Vava said,
<blockquote>
The chances are very high; we are still exploring options available. Zimbabweans have been missing him, he has also been missing performing here, Zimbabwe is home and there is no greater feeling than performing in Zimbabwe.</blockquote>
If the second gig is to be held, then it is likely to be scheduled towards the end of the years as ” a shutdown 2018 Bira.”
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2018/05/15/mukanya-keen-on-second-home-gig" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daily News</a>

Thomas Mapfumo Keen To Stage Another Gig In The Country

Chimurenga music maestro Thomas Mapfumo who returned to Zimbabwe on Thursday has lamented the state of the country’s roads. Mapfumo also spoke out against corruption saying that it was surprising that a country which has the latest and most expensive cars has such bad roads.
In an interview on Star FM, Mapfumo said,
<blockquote>dai tambomira tsika yekuba mari yenyika iya yatinoti corruption nekuti ndaona kuti munofamba nemota dzakanaka dzatinoona kunana America asi maroads enyu anenge mihomba yambambaira hamuna maroads kaimi!</blockquote>
Here is the audio:

<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" controls="controls" id="audio-47832-1" preload="none" style="width: 100%;"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mapfumo-INterview.ogg?_=1" type="audio/ogg"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mapfumo-INterview.ogg">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mapfumo-INterview.ogg</a></audio>

Audio: Thomas Mapfumo Bemoans State Of Roads, Speaks Out Against Corruption

Exiled Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo has denied rumours that he was granted asylum by the United States of America, where he has been resident for the past 14 years. Mapfumo, affectionately known as Mukanya by his legion of fans revealed that he holds an American passport. He also said that he now feels free with the change of government.  Mapfumo said that he will be performing at the Glamis Arena in Harare on April 28.
Speaking to H-Metro, Mapfumo said:
<blockquote>I am a holder of an American passport and I don’t have any problem with where I can travel, I am not there on asylum. Reasons for not coming home over the years had nothing to do with the asylum. There were certain issues that were not in order as far as the country’s leadership then was concerned.
I spoke on the phone with Minister Mpofu and he is a fan of our music. Things are okay now in Zimbabwe and I am free to perform again without worrying about other things.
We have always wanted a leadership that listens to people’s concerns and that is what we are beginning to see in Zimbabwe.
There have been efforts to bring corrupt people to book and we support that, I have voiced my concerns against corruption in song and it is a good thing when you hear that corrupt leaders are being arrested and tried in courts of law.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://hmetro.co.zw/im-free-now-mukanya/">H-Metro</a>

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