All is set for a historic evening in Birmingham tonight, where legendary Chimurenga music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Thomas Mapfumo will take his final bow after more than five decades of shaping Zimbabwe’s cultural, musical, and political landscape. The farewell concert, billed as a once-in-a-lifetime event, marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s most influential musicians.
A press conference held yesterday brought together media houses, fans, and fellow performers, creating a platform for Thomas Mapfumo to reflect on his journey before stepping onto the stage for the last time. The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia, admiration, and a deep sense of history. Fellow artists who will join Mukanya at the concert — including Tocky Vibes, Lindsay Chamangura Ngura, and Kurai Makore — shared their heartfelt reflections on what it means to perform alongside the Chimurenga giant. For many, the chance to share the stage with Thomas Mapfumo is not only a career highlight but also a symbolic passing of the torch between generations.
However, one notable absence drew both attention and emotion — that of Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi. Mapfumo, visibly moved when addressing the matter, acknowledged how much her participation would have meant to him personally. “Selmor ndiye wandanga ndichida pano, baba vake vaive shamwari yangu,” he said in Shona, meaning, “Selmor is the one I really wanted here; her father was my friend.” His words underscored the deep bond he shared with Oliver Mtukudzi, a fellow cultural icon, and how Selmor’s presence would have symbolised the continuation of that friendship and shared legacy.
Thomas Mapfumo Bids Emotional Farewell in Birmingham
Selmor’s repeated absence from pre-concert engagements has sparked concern among event organisers and promoters. Many stressed that press events are not merely about marketing but are critical in weaving together the historical and cultural narrative behind such milestone occasions. “This isn’t just about promoting a show,” one UK promoter explained. “It’s about honouring history. Selmor’s voice was vital in bridging Oliver Mtukudzi’s legacy with Thomas Mapfumo’s farewell. This is about two giants who defined Zimbabwe’s music, and the connection should not be lost.”
Despite this missed opportunity, anticipation for tonight’s performance remains electric. The concert promises to be both a celebration and a reflection of Mapfumo’s remarkable journey. From his early years with the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band in the 1970s, to his time with the Acid Band, and the eventual birth of Chimurenga music, Mukanya’s artistry has always gone hand in hand with activism. His songs — among them Hokoyo, Corruption, and Mamvemve — became anthems of resistance. They gave voice to the struggles of the oppressed during the liberation war and continued to challenge injustice long after independence.
Thomas Mapfumo’s fearless political commentary made him both a hero and a target. In the post-independence years, as his lyrics increasingly criticised corruption and authoritarianism, he found himself in conflict with the state. Forced into exile in the United States, he continued to sing truth to power from afar, never abandoning his mission of holding leadership accountable. This unwavering commitment earned him the title “The Lion of Zimbabwe,” a testament to his courage and resilience.
For Zimbabweans in the diaspora, tonight’s Birmingham concert carries an especially profound meaning. Beyond music, it represents a closing chapter of cultural memory and identity. Many in attendance grew up with Thomas Mapfumo’s songs as the soundtrack of their lives — songs that reminded them of home, of struggle, and of hope. His final performance is not just entertainment, but the last gathering under the banner of Chimurenga led by its creator.
The farewell show itself is set to feature a strong line-up, blending the old with the new. Tocky Vibes, one of Zimbabwe’s leading contemporary voices, will stand alongside Kurai Makore, Lindsay Chamangura, and Selmor Mtukudzi, who is expected to join during the main concert despite missing the press events. Their presence highlights how Mapfumo’s music has transcended generations, influencing younger artists and embedding itself into the DNA of Zimbabwean culture.
As the curtain closes on Thomas Mapfumo’s illustrious career, his impact remains undeniable. He leaves behind not only a catalogue of powerful music but also a legacy of resistance, truth, and cultural pride. Chimurenga music, born from the spirit of liberation, will continue to resonate long after he leaves the stage.
For many, the farewell is bittersweet — an opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary life in music while also confronting the end of an era. Yet Thomas Mapfumo’s voice, message, and influence will remain woven into the heartbeat of Zimbabwe. His retirement does not silence him; rather, it allows his legacy to echo more loudly through those he has inspired.
Tonight, as the lights dim in Birmingham and the Lion of Zimbabwe takes his final bow, the world will witness not just the end of a concert, but the closing of a chapter in African cultural history.
Source- ZimEye
