Mapfumo Says Chivayo Paid Him in Full

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

Music legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo says the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo had paid him in full for two performances linked to Chivayo’s birthday and Jah Prayzah’s wedding.

Mapfumo was reportedly contracted under a US$1 million deal to perform at Jah Prayzah’s wedding and at Chivayo’s birthday celebration.

Jah Prayzah and his fiancée Rufaro have since postponed their wedding indefinitely following Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. Speaking to H-Metro on Wednesday night, Mapfumo said he was still struggling to process the businessman’s death but confirmed that he had received his payment. “I can confirm that I was paid in full for the work I was supposed to do and I will honour my contract,” Mapfumo said. “At the moment I don’t have much to say as I am still in shock at the death of Wicknell. May the Lord comfort his family and his loved ones.”

Mapfumo to Return for Rescheduled Show

Mapfumo said he would return to Zimbabwe from the United States once a new date for the performance had been agreed. “I will go back to America and will definitely be back for the show,” he said. “My team is making new arrangements with all the involved stakeholders, and I think we will have a clear picture after the burials.”

His publicist, Cuthbert Chiromo, also confirmed that Mapfumo had been paid in full and said discussions were already underway with Jah Prayzah’s management. “Mukanya was paid in full, and right now I am in touch with Jah Prayzah’s management for new dates, and definitely, Mukanya will perform,” Chiromo said. The new performance dates have not yet been announced.

Wedding Postponed After Chivayo's Death

Jah Prayzah, whose real name is Mukudzeyi Mukombe, announced on Thursday that his wedding to Rufaro, which had been scheduled for October 3 in Glen Lorne, Harare, had been postponed. The musician described Chivayo as more than a friend, saying he was “family” and had walked closely with the couple through different stages of their lives. The postponement followed Wednesday's helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm near Marondera, which claimed the lives of Chivayo, his wife Lucy Rujeko Muteke, her aide Senelisiwe Magagula, pilot Captain Kelvin T. Soda and co-pilot Captain Courage Mutavirwa.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation. For Mapfumo, however, the reported payment means the planned performance remains on the table, with the legendary musician expected to return to Zimbabwe once the new arrangements are finalised.

Thomas Mapfumo paid in full