Exiled Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo has made it clear that he will not accept financial assistance from controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, describing his resources as “dirty money”.
Mapfumo, whose home was recently destroyed by fire, stated that he had not requested financial assistance from anyone, but had not stopped a suggestion from friend Lance Guma, who said he wanted to give Zimbabweans a chance to show solidarity via a GoFundMe campaign.
However, Mapfumo re-iterated that he had rejected an offer from Chivayo, which included a luxury car worth US$200,000 and a US$300,000 home because he does not accept “dirty money” and values his integrity above material gain.
“I didn’t request anyone to fundraise on my behalf. Mr. Guma is a friend who was moved by the news that my home had been destroyed by fire. He contacted me, and I confirmed the incident. He then offered to assist me by setting up a GoFundMe platform, and I didn’t object,” he said.
“However, I’ve been hearing rumours that people are questioning why I didn’t accept Wicknell Chivayo’s offer of financial assistance.
“Let me be clear: I don’t accept dirty money. I never asked anyone to help me rebuild my house; it was Mr. Guma’s initiative, and I couldn’t decline his offer because he genuinely cares for me.
“I want to set the record straight: I have my own financial resources and children who are capable of supporting me. If anyone wants to accept Wicknell’s money, that’s their decision. As for me, I want no part of it.”
Mapfumo said his music remains widely popular globally, despite being banned in Zimbabwe. Mapfumo added that he continues to earn income from his music, although he is not currently performing live shows.
“Some people have also been saying that my music career is over. I’d like to know where they’re getting that information from. My music is still widely popular and played all over the world. Although I’m not currently performing live shows, I’m still earning income from my music.
“It’s only in Zimbabwe, where my music is banned and musicians are bribed with cars, that you might think my music is no longer relevant,” he said.
Chivayo’s extravagant life is linked to a US$100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission tender he won to supply election materials for 2023 elections.
The tender was allegedly awarded corruptly through the assistance of top government officials.
He has spent more than US$3 million buying cars for Zanu-PF supporters, musicians linked to the ruling party, and footballers.
That is a principled stance by Mr Mapfumo.
Sometimes, I wonder whether donations should come from so called God father's looting national resources belongings to citizens. Here🥶🤩, with purple face I'm talking about thugs with sense of entitlement and somehow tolerated by some privileged, intelligent citizens too!
Sometimes, I wonder whether donations should come from so called God father's looting national resources belongings to citizens. Here🥶🤩, with purple face I'm talking about thugs with sense of entitlement and somehow tolerated by some privileged, intelligent citizens too!
Live long legend Mukanya
If the so called chivayo has money he must open companies which imploy poeple just like the highly respected Strive Masiyiwa
Revolutionary, soldier,and a man of integrity.
Man of intergrit highly respected big up legend Tomas maphumo you are indeed a true leader I hope poeple like mnangagwa take it from you
Man of intergrit highly respected big up legend Tomas maphumo you are indeed a true leader I hope poeple like mnangagwa take it from you
Mukanya havadyi zvekuba. He is a true freedom fighter.
Mukanya havadyi zvekuba. He is a true freedom fighter.
I salute for standing on your ground,, firmly disassociating with corrupt n dirty funds,if it's genuinely generous,why can't he donate to poor hospitals,
Gandanga haridye derere. Misuse of our natural resources, these guy must be arrested.
Gandanga haridye derere. Misuse of our natural resources, these guy must be arrested.
He will never ever endanger his principles for anything,i always salute you Mkanya
He will never ever endanger his principles for anything,i always salute you Mkanya
"FOR A PLATE OF SADZA , A MAN SHOULD NOT COMPROMISE HIS PRINCIPLES" – Nelson Mandela
He must just assist the struggling public hospitals nd buy maize for the hungry Zim citizens than following the well off people nd trying to appease them
He must just assist the struggling public hospitals nd buy maize for the hungry Zim citizens than following the well off people nd trying to appease them
He is a true patriot, a true legend!
He is a true patriot, a true legend!
He deserves to be the president of the United States of Africa
He deserves to be the president of the United States of Africa
That's great Mukanya.Even myself I will contribute my last dollar for the GoFundMe.
By refusing to accept tainted money Mukanya reminded us the importance of staying true to oneself. Thank you Mukanya for setting a remarkable example and for proving that honor and authenticity are what makes a true artist legendary . We are with you every step of the way .
He is more principled than some so called gospel singers……. He is a hero and a trailblazer for sure!