ZIMBABWE BILLIONAIRE WICKNELL CHIVAYO STUNS AFRICA WITH A POTENTIAL R24.5 MILLION OFFER TO MUSIC LEGEND THOMAS MAPFUMO FOR TWO MAJOR PERFORMANCES
Zimbabwean billionaire Wicknell Chivayo has sparked widespread debate after announcing a performance offer worth up to US$1.5 million (about R24.5 million) for legendary musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo.
According to Chivayo, he is prepared to pay US$500,000 (around R8.2 million) for Mapfumo to perform at musician Jah Prayzah’s upcoming wedding. If that performance does not take place, Chivayo says he will instead pay US$1 million (around R16.3 million) for Mapfumo to perform at his own birthday celebration.
The announcement followed Chivayo’s birthday tribute to Jah Prayzah, during which he also gifted the musician a 2026 Ford Ranger Platinum and US$250,000 in cash.
Reports indicate that Thomas Mapfumo has accepted the offer in principle, with further arrangements for the performances expected to be finalised.
The announcement has generated massive discussion across Zimbabwe and beyond, with many praising the recognition of one of the country’s greatest musicians, while others have questioned the scale of the offer.
What are your thoughts? Is this a fitting way to honour a music legend, or is the amount simply too much?