Chimurenga musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo is yet to return to the United States having flown into the country at the beginning of December last year for countrywide gigs running under the banner Mukanya Peace Tour.
The tour, which was organised by local promoters Entertainment Republic and Chimurenga Music Company, did not go according to plan due to a plethora of challenges.
However, a month after the tour Mukanya, who was supposed to go back to the United States shortly after the Peace Tour, is still in the country doing shows.
On Friday the Mamvemve hitmaker was at Tanza Centre in Chitungwiza for the second time having performed at the leisure centre during the first week of January.
He has done shows in Harare and at growth points such as Guruve as well as Mt Darwin under the banner Mukanya Farewell Gig.
“The deal between Mukanya and Entertainment Republic failed to raise the expected income. The Peace Tour was just a flop and Mukanya is just doing shows to cover up the shortcomings,” said a source.
“I think the organisers of the Peace Tour sold the old man a dummy. They knew that the economy was not doing well and 10 gigs around the country were too much for him.
However, Chimurenga Music Company publicist Blessing Vava thinks otherwise.
“The Peace Tour was a success, but we faced challenges due to the economic hardships, people had no disposable income to come for shows,” Vava said.
“All the shows went on well, Mukanya would perform until the early hours of the morning.”
Vava justified Mukanya’s long stay in the country.
“He has stayed for long because he was really missing Zimbabwe, people should not ask why he has not gone back. His home is Zimbabwe and he is enjoying the country he missed for 14 years,” he said.
“I’m not really sure of what’s going on with Mukanya’s shows right now since I’m back at school [in South Africa], so I can’t comment on things I’m not involved in.” The Standard
