Forward Nyanyiwa in CARLOW, Ireland
H-Metro Europe Correspondent
IS the legendary Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo still fit to keep on holding live shows or he is now just being exploited by those who are making money from such ventures?
At the Newtown Music Factory in Johannesburg, Mukanya performed while he was sitting on a chair during his “Farewell South Africa” concert.
The revered artist’s once-distinct raspy vocals were not the same and lacked the authority they once commanded.
Social workers and cultural analysts say the images from the Jozi show point to a far deeper issue -00 the potential exploitation of an ageing global cultural icon whose legacy now eclipses his physical capability.
However, former Blacks Unlimited band manager and Chimurenga music analyst, Blessing Ivan Vava, believes Mukanya is still in good health and has the mental capacity to decide what is good for his health.
“I will comment as someone who has worked with Mukanya before and as someone who was with him before, during and after the South Africa music show.
“Mukanya is still in sound health and makes his own decisions.
“He chooses his own playlists and l will tell you that he spent four hours on stage rehearsing for the show and never showed any signs of fatigue.”
Vava said it was unfair to suggest Mukanya is being used to boost the careers of some emerging artists.
“It’s a bit unfair to someone like Kurai Makore, who has never had it so easy.
“Kurai has been revolving as an independent musician over the years and he doesn’t have control over Mukanya.
“His inclusion in Mukanya’s shows are by invites and not his influence or control. He must be judged on his performances than the perceived influence on Mukanya.”
Vava added:
“Yes, in 2023, he might have hinted that he was doing his last live performances but this is a man who has lived music throughout his life.
“It’s a calling to him and he is forced to find himself on stage even after making statements of retiring.
“This is not peculiar to Mapfumo, Burning Spear is still playing today.”
Since 2022, Mapfumo has clearly been struggling with his stage performances.
Yet his handlers have continued to schedule performances — including multiple “final shows” across the UK and South Africa.
This has left some questioning whether the veteran artist is being pressured to continue working against his best health interests.
UK-based Zimbabwean social worker, Simbarashe Mhiripiri, says the scenes from the Jozi show should be treated as an urgent signal.
“It’s not rocket science, the man needs help, and it must be immediate. His frailty is obvious, he deserves rest, not routine exposure to physically and mentally demanding environments.
“This is elderly abuse in its purest form.”
Another Zimbabwean social worker, who requested anonymity, echoed the same sentiments.
“The music industry can be brutal, especially for ageing performers.
“Mapfumo should be protected, not pushed,” he said.
Mukanya is not alone.
BB King’s final tours sparked a public outcry when he appeared confused and unwell on stage, prompting debates over whether he was being exploited by handlers.
American singer, Frankie Valli, had to defend his performances after viral videos online raised concerns among his fans who thought he was being forced to hold shows.
Even James Brown’s final years were marked by concerns over exploitation by those controlling his finances and appearances.
Critics argue that Mapfumo may no longer have full control over his bookings.
“If you look closely at his inner circle, there are potential hidden agendas,” said one analyst.
“Some appear more interested in riding on his name or passing the torch to a preferred successor — while the old man pays the price physically.”
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