Wicknell Chivayo Makes Record-Breaking Thomas Mapfumo Announcement
Veteran Zimbabwean music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo is set to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s birthday celebration after Chivayo announced a record-breaking payment for US$1 million for the performances.
Wicknell Chivayo Announces Record-Breaking Payment For Thomas Mapfumo
Writing on X on Monday, 13 July 2026, Wicknell Chivayo announced that he would honour his commitment by paying Thomas Mapfumo US$1 million (approximately R16.9 million) for two performances, amounting to US$500,000 (approximately R8.45 million) per show.
Introducing his announcement, Chivayo said:
“I am pleased to announce that I will wholeheartedly honour my commitment by paying a record-breaking US$1 million for these two shows at US$500,000 per show. This will make the legendary Thomas Tafireyi Mapfumo the highest paid singer ever in the history of our beloved country.”
He congratulated Mapfumo, popularly known as Mukanya, for accepting the performances.
“I say a big congratulations to you, Mukanya, my best singer of all time, for making this decision consciously and independently, without any influence from the naysayers.”
Chivayo Praises Chimurenga Legend’s Legacy
Chivayo also paid tribute to Mapfumo’s contribution to Zimbabwean music and the liberation struggle.
He said:
“Your music has educated, inspired, united and comforted generations of Zimbabweans, and your legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.”
Chivayo further revealed that he hopes to host Mapfumo again later in the year during a planned housewarming celebration at his Gandami property once construction is complete around late November or mid-December 2026.
“It will be a truly special occasion to host a living legend whose music has become part of Zimbabwe’s history and identity.”
BABA WE MARUDZI HAVANA DEFEAT…
Spreading LOVE will always WIN over negativity, HATRED and the endless SENSELESS conspiracy theories that seek to divide rather than unite us. I am PLEASED to announce that I will WHOLEHEARTEDLY honour my commitment by paying a… pic.twitter.com/IQEmn8dchW
— sir_wicknell. (@wicknellchivayo) July 13, 2026
What Happens Next?
The announcement suggests that Mapfumo will perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and Chivayo’s birthday celebration, with a further appearance planned for the housewarming event later in 2026. Details, including the dates and venues for the wedding and birthday performances, have not yet been publicly announced.
The announcement has generated significant discussion online as Zimbabweans react to what Chivayo described as a record-breaking payment for one of the country’s most celebrated musicians.f
The post Thomas Mapfumo To Perform At Jah Prayzah’s Wedding And Wicknell Chivayo’s Birthday Celebration appeared first on iHarare News.
