‘Take The Bag’: Ex-Publicist Urges Thomas Mapfumo To Accept Wicknell Chivayo Offer
Thomas Mapfumo’s former publicist Blessing Vava has urged the Chimurenga music legend to accept businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s huge performance offer. Vava believes Mapfumo should take the deal if he is invited to perform at Jah Prayzah’s anticipated wedding or for the Chivayo family.
Vava shared his views on Saturday, 4 July 2026, after Chivayo publicly offered Mapfumo US$500,000 (approximately R8.12 million) for a possible Jah Prayzah wedding performance and US$1 million (approximately R16.23 million) for a birthday show.
Blessing Vava Urges Thomas Mapfumo To Accept Wicknell Chivayo Offer
Writing on Facebook, Vava said Mapfumo should consider performing as a show of support for younger Zimbabwean musicians.
Vava wrote:
“Mukanya should come and perform as a gesture of support to the younger generation of musicians who are carrying Zimbabwean music forward.”
He also praised Jah Prayzah and Winky D for their longevity and influence.
“Jah Prayzah has earned his place as a legend in his own right. Together with Winky D, he has risen above many of his peers through consistency, influence and longevity.”
Vava said he believed Mapfumo should accept Chivayo’s offer if a formal invitation comes.
“I believe he should accept Wicknell Chivhayo’s offer if indeed he is invited to perform at the anticipated wedding or for the Chivhayos.”
Vava Says Chimurenga Music Goes Beyond Politics
Vava, who previously worked as Mapfumo’s publicist, said his experience organising the Big Bira showed him that Chimurenga music attracted fans from different political backgrounds.
He explained:
“Music has always had the power to unite people beyond political affiliation.”
Vava added that senior ZANU PF figures also attended Mapfumo’s events simply because they appreciated his music.
Turning directly to the performance offer, Vava said:
“Mudhara ngaatore bag (the old man should take the money) because, unlike previous offers, it appears to come without political conditions attached.”
He stressed that this was his personal opinion.
Blessing Vava Wants Thomas Mapfumo Back In Zimbabwe
Vava also repeated his long-held wish for Mapfumo to return permanently to Zimbabwe.
“I believe Thomas Mapfumo’s greatest value, appreciation and legacy will always be in Zimbabwe more than anywhere else, including America.”
He said a proposed Thomas Mapfumo Foundation initiative in 2018 had failed to materialise because of other dynamics.
For now, Mapfumo has not publicly confirmed whether he will accept either performance proposal. Vava’s comments have, however, added another voice to the discussion around Chivayo’s multimillion-Rand offer.
The post Thomas Mapfumo’s Ex-Publicist Urges Him To Snatch Wicknell Chivayo’s Million-Dollar Offer appeared first on iHarare News.
