HARARE – Chimurenga music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo will for the first time perform at Oliver ‘‘Tuku’’ Mtukudzi’s Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton on Saturday in memory of the fallen national hero.
Mukanya will share the stage with musician Progress Chipfumo.
The arts hub, situated about 45 kilometres along Harare – Bulawayo highway, opened its grand doors to the public in 2004, the same year Mukanya decamped to the United States of America.
He came back last year. Since the arts centre opened its doors to the public, it has hosted a number of artists from dancers, poets, actors and musicians among others.
However, Mtukudzi died at the age of 66 on January 23 at Avenues Clinic in Harare after a long battle with diabetes. He was buried at his rural home in Madziwa. Affectionately known as Samanyanga or simply Nzou, his elephant totem, Mtukudzi made history by becoming the first musician to be accorded a national hero status by Zanu PF-led government.
After Mtukudzi’s death, the arts centre first hosted musicians Jah Prayzah and Mbeu last week and now it’s Mukanya and Chipfumo.
Meanwhile, Chipfumo has hailed his partnership with Mapfumo.
“Mukanya is our living legend and there is nothing that excites me more than sharing the stage with him. Each time I share the stage with him, definitely I get to learn a thing or two,” Chipfumo said.
After the Pakare Paye concert, the two will share the stage again at Zebra Village in Mbare on Sunday afternoon. Known for crafting meaningful lyrics, Chipfumo’s discography is made up of Let Them Know, Ndinovatenda Nei, Tsiurika, Usatamba Nemoto, Progress Check and Progress Report among others.
The former Hohodza band member has inspired many local musicians including Jah Prayzah and Gift Mahlupeka among others.
The Jerusarema hit-maker went on to collaborate with him on song Yambuka Rukova off the album Kumbumura Mhute.
