By Rex Mphisa
GANDANGA, Hurricane Hugo, Mukanya, the Chimurenga music legend Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo has declared his wish to be buried in Zimbabwe, saying his roots remain unshaken despite living in the United States for more than two decades.
According to NewsChat Media 245, the 80-year-old made the heartfelt declaration following a farewell concert in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where over 3,000 fans bade him goodbye on what was perhaps his last show there marking an illustrious career spanning over decades.
Known affectionately as Mukanya, Mapfumo emphasized that no foreign citizenship could erase his Zimbabwean identity.
“I may have American citizenship, but that does not change the fact that I am Zimbabwean.
“If I die, I will be buried in Zimbabwe. I truly love my roots, and, as I mentioned earlier, we can never escape ourselves, even if we live abroad,” he said.
Mapfumo relocated to the United States around the year 2000, officially to expand his international reach.
However, many viewed the move as self-imposed exile, as he became increasingly vocal in his criticism of the Zimbabwean government while abroad.
In a recent interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, he spoke about the challenges of life in the diaspora.
“Life here can be hell on earth because you do not have close friends or people to support you when you are broke.
“It is survival of the fittest and one must be responsible, knowing you are not in your own country,” he explained.
The veteran musician acknowledged that many Zimbabweans abroad did not leave by choice.
He said several factors led them to settle overseas, and most dearly miss home.
“I also miss Zimbabwe—it will always be my home, even though the US became my second home due to circumstances beyond my control.”
As part of his retirement plans, Mapfumo confirmed a concert in South Africa and hinted at a possible final show in Zimbabwe.
“There are people planning something in Zimbabwe and I am just waiting to hear from them,” he remarked.
The Sunday Mail reported on Mapfumo’s farewell tour and his reflections on life abroad.
While he remained noncommittal about relocating permanently, he reiterated his wish to be laid to rest in his homeland.
“Just know that I truly remain a Zimbabwean and nothing takes away that fact. I will be buried there, and I just love my roots.”
Mapfumo also shared his views on the current state of Zimbabwean music, expressing concern over a lack of distinctive style among young artists.
He urged local musicians to emulate Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, who have achieved global success through authentic sounds.
Reflecting on his own journey, Mapfumo recalled how he transitioned from performing rock and roll covers to pioneering Chimurenga music.
He said he learned early on that international success would only come through originality and cultural authenticity.
“I am a perfect example of someone who realised that being a copycat leads to failure. Even now, I feel compelled to guide young artistes in the right direction,” he explained.
Mukanya rose to fame in the mid-seventies when he released songs that provoked the settler regime.
Hits like Pfumvu Paruzevha, Tumira Vana Kuhondo, Kuyaura, Motobike Doro, Bhutsumutandarika, Dangurangu, to name a few, were among the many that endeared him with “Vakomana” – the freedom fighters.
As he churned out hit after hit, politically charged as they were, Mukanya became a person of interest with the settler regime government and was in and out of jail.
He remained relentless.
Soon after independence he spurned on the Government with hits like Chirizevha Chadzoka, Madhebhura, Nyarai, Chitima Cherusununguko – to name a few.
His Nyarai was a message to politicians who had accepted that the country be named Zimbabwe Rhodesia but were beaten hands down in the 1980 elections that ushered in majority rule.
Gandanga’s Chitima Cherusunguko co-incided with NRZ’s introduction of an electric train and its video shows then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe “driving” the train at its launch.
Mukanya, with his eyes and ears for politics soon started attacking President Mugabe’s administration and exited the country but would return for festive shows.
He is on record for having the biggest show at Boka Auction floors where a massive 10 000 people went through the turnstiles to hear his belows as he churned out what he knew best.
In Beitbridge Mukanya last visited in 2016 and his show was as usual, a masterpiece although signs of ageing were visible.
He remains one of the best artists to emerge from Zimbabwe and fit to be laid at the Heroes Acre. Fellow musician and childhood friend Oliver Mtukudzi was declared a national hero.
As the curtain gently falls on Mapfumo’s long career, his wish is clear: to be laid to rest in Zimbabwe. His message to Zimbabwe is simple—stay true, stay original, and never forget your roots.
source: NewsChat Media 245