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.
