dollar olive branch and a botched Mnangagwa meeting
Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo has returned to his home country after an eight-year absence, following a controversial deal with businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The move has sparked debate among observers regarding his long-standing stance against government corruption.
Why it matters
Mapfumo's shift in relationship with the government highlights the complex intersection of art, political activism, and economic survival in Zimbabwe.
CHIMURENGA music icon Thomas Mapfumo’s return to Zimbabwe last week marked the end of an eight-year absence from the country.
An ardent critic of the government, Mapfumo last visited Zimbabwe in 2018 when he held his homecoming concerts.
Since then, the musician has stayed away from the country after ruffling the feathers of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, missing several family engagements, including the burial of his brother and fellow Blacks Unlimited band member Lancelot Mapfumo, amid fears for his safety.
However, Mapfumo appeared to have struck a more cordial relationship with the government, with a meeting between him and Mnangagwa having been scheduled before it was derailed by the death of controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in