“Celebrating His Death Is Despicable” – Mapfumo Defends Late Chivayo, Says Zimbabwe Has Lost A People’s Person
HARARE – Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo has condemned Zimbabweans celebrating the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, saying the country has lost a “people’s person.”
Speaking at Chivayo’s Harare residence where people had gathered to mourn the businessman, Mapfumo said those celebrating were misguided.
“We have lost and the people have lost because he was a people’s person. People can say whatever they want to say because that’s their own opinion. As Zimbabweans we want to have love and peace. Let’s not be people who despise each other,” Mapfumo said.
“Those who he gave whatever would they despise him? If you are now celebrating his death, that is despicable. I have never heard of that. In this world how can you celebrate death? Who is going to live forever? No one. So if we don’t show love for each other we are not going anywhere.”
The veteran musician was brought back to Zimbabwe recently after years in exile in the United States through sponsorship by Chivayo, who had promised him US$1 million.
Mapfumo did not disclose whether the US$1 million promised by Chivayo had been paid.
On whether his gigs will continue despite Chivayo’s death, Mapfumo said he is waiting to hear from organizers on whether he will perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding, which was indefinitely postponed following the helicopter crash near Marondera on 30 September that killed Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and three others.
“If they organize, then we will come back because we are making arrangements for me to go back [to the U.S]. I’m old you know. I’m not as young as when I used to jump and run across the stage. But I want to perform for my people. This is where I come from. Nowhere else,” he said.
Mapfumo said many people assume he is happy living in the United States, but he misses home..
“I thank Wicknell very much because he enabled me to come home after so many years abroad,” he said.