BY STYLE REPORTER
United States-based Chimurenga musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo is returning to South Africa in as many years when he stages two shows in November.
The last time Mukanya was in South Africa was in October and November in 2019 for a two-legged gig at Ekurhuleni Boksburg Hotel east of Johannesburg.
The hotel was owned by the late Zimbabwean businessman-cum music promoter Rodger Muzawazi who died early last year after a long battle with diabetes.
The Mamvemve hit maker gave a vintage performance that defied age and expectations as he kept hundreds of fans, mostly Zimbabweans based South Africa, on their feet.
Fans came from as far afield as Harare, Cape Town and United Kingdom to see Mukanya live on stage.
This time around with Muzawazi missing in action, another Zimbabwean based in South Africa Ashton Kachie Mutuvha of One Love Movement Events has taken the bull by its horns by bringing the revered Chimurenga musician for yet another dance with his legion of fans across southern Africa.
With most countries in Southern Africa having banned live shows as one of the measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, there is likelihood of Mukanya performing before a full house.
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Mutuvha said all was set for the shows.
“We are very proud and excited to be hosting one of Zimbabwe’s greatest musician and living legend Dr. Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo,” Mutuvha told this publication from his base in Johannesburg.
“He comes all the way from the United States to grace us with his presence this November in South Africa.
“Our first event is earmarked for Newtown Music Factory, formerly known as Bassline on November 6 and second gig is going to be held at The Pavilion in Sunnyside, Pretoria the following day.
“We could have held these events earlier, but the Covid-19 pandemic had been a huge disappointment to say the least.”
Mutuvha said in observance of the Covid-19 protocols of that country as well as public health guidelines, the shows would start earlier than the traditional evening times.
“We encourage fans to turn up very early in order for us to finish early as we are being guided by the Covid-19 protocols. Both shows start at 3pm,” he said.
“We also have an upcoming artiste Darlington Mhofela Tanganyika and his Journey Band and urban groover Nox Guni, who will warm up the stage for Mukanya.
“A team of highly experienced DJs, including Charlieban, Mr Gee Warrior 1, DJ Mytee Dolla, Dj Stramma and our evergreen MC of the night Rico Myers will be dazzling fans with some Chimurenga vibes from the Zimbabwean music archives.”
He said tickets were already on sale online via www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay Supermarkets in South Africa.
South Africa has opened spaces for music shows a development that has of late seen a number of Zimbabwean artistes crossing the Limpopo to do live shows in that country.
The Zimbabwean authorities are yet to give the green light for the resumption of live performances by artistes since the outbreak of Covid-19 in March last year.
