Full text of statement by Thomas Mapfumo: ‘My beliefs remain unchanged, I have not sold out’

My name is Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, the Lion of Zimbabwe. I felt I should address the people of Zimbabwe after so much protest and “noise” about the gift.

I have noticed that most Chimurenga Music fans are unhappy with my decision to accept the gift. Hundreds of thousands of comments and messages have been shared across social media and sent directly to my phone.

I have also seen the mocking cartoons that portray me as a hypocrite or a selfish and greedy man who accepts a doughnut to desert a starving family behind.

I am humbled and grateful for the registered concern, protests and thoughtfulness many have expressed regarding my name, reputation, and the upcoming gift.

I would like to clarify a few points.

First, I am, and will always remain, a human rights activist. Accepting a gift from a fan does not mean that I have abandoned my cause or betrayed my people or my music.

My beliefs remain unchanged, and my conscience is clear. I understand the poverty, suffering, and daily struggles faced by my people. I also understand the concerns and accusation labels hinting that I have “crossed the floor.”

In fact, I have not abandoned my principles, nor have I thrown anyone under the bus. Equally, accepting this gift should not be interpreted as validating or dismissing the grievances of ordinary Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe has had a dozen celebrity artists emerge from the USA to perform and get paid by the same people who are inviting me to perform and take a gift. No one has complained against the dozen US artists jetting in for business.

While I am an activist, I am not an opposition politician. Much of the recent criticism on social media seems to imply that I have abandoned a political role that I was never elected or appointed to perform.

Becoming involved in social justice was a personal lifelong decision. I remain committed to advocating for human rights, freedom, equality, and social justice for as long as I live.

The responsibility of contesting for political power and pursuing government reform belongs to opposition political leaders, such as the late Morgan Tsvangirai, Nelson Chamisa, and other opposition figures.

It is their role to provide political leadership and seek a change of government where they believe it is necessary.

Although I fight for the ordinary people, my role is different. I am an activist and social influencer who supports causes that promote justice, freedom, and equality.

I am also not the first musician to accept such a gift, nor am I accepting it simply for the fear of missing out (FOMO) or following others on a populist band wagon. I am humbly accepting it without conditions, let alone endorsing any political movement or cause.

I plan to donate most of the proceeds to a local charity. Many respected musicians—including Feli Nandi, Alick Macheso, Baba Manyeruke, Leonard Zhakata, the late Nicholas Zakaria and others—have accepted similar gifts over the months and years.

Religious leaders from various churches, including our baby blue blazer prophets, prophetesses, and apostles, have also accepted such gifts without attracting the same level of public outrage and censure.

I believe I deserve some audience, peace and space. I remain an activist, and my principles have not been compromised. I have not sold out my conscience or my values, and I intend to remain true to them for the rest of my life.

Finally, it is important not to confuse the role of a social justice activist with that of an opposition political leader. An opposition leader would be seeking to form a government and govern. He would command millions of subscribers as he leads them to elections.

An activist is a one-man band and speaks out against observed injustice wherever it occurs but does not necessarily seek political office.

I therefore encourage those who are disappointed by the current political situation to direct their concerns and energy toward those whose mandate is to provide political leadership and accountability.

The public deserves clear answers and honest explanations from those entrusted with that responsibility. I do not have a political party but I fight for the people daily.

As an activist, I do not have the Father Zimbabwe title or emblem. I do not have the mandate to liberate Zimbabwe but I have the drive to expose injustice. I only use my music stage to express disgruntlement, the call for freedom and social justice.

The recent bad language directed against me due to the gift makes me feel like I intentionally threw the key to the liberation struggle onto a crocodile-infested Zambezi River. I remain an all weather activist and I can do so much as I identify with the masses.

Thank you for your concern, your engagement, and your continued support. I remain a die-hard activist until the day I leave Mother Earth.