Chimurenga music legend Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo has accepted businessman Wicknell Chivayo's offer worth a reported US$1 million, ending days of speculation over whether he would take the lucrative deal after previously rejecting financial assistance from the businessman.
Mapfumo confirmed his decision, saying his acceptance was purely professional.
"This is work, not what you think, it's work," Mapfumo said.
Under the agreement, Mapfumo is set to receive US$500,000 million for performing at Chivayo's birthday celebrations and another US$500,000 for performing at musician Jah Prayzah's wedding.
The announcement follows days of debate on social media, where Zimbabweans were divided over whether the veteran musician should accept the offer, particularly after publicly distancing himself from Chivayo in the past.
The discussion gained further attention after Kurai Makore, who is reported to be Mapfumo's niece, urged him to accept the money.
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"I say my father should take this money and forget what people are saying because when he needed money, no one came forward to help," Makore said in a video that circulated widely on social media.
Mapfumo's decision shifts from his position in 2024, when he rejected Chivayo's offer of US$300,000 in cash and a luxury vehicle worth about US$200,000 after his home was destroyed by fire.
At the time, the Chimurenga icon said he had never sought financial assistance from Chivayo and criticised the source of the money.
"However, I've been hearing rumours that people are questioning why I didn't accept Wicknell Chivayo's offer of financial assistance.
"Let me be clear: I don't accept dirty money. I never asked anyone to help me rebuild my house; it was Mr Guma's initiative, and I couldn't decline his offer because he genuinely cares for me.
"I want to set the record straight: I have my own financial resources and children who are capable of supporting me. If anyone wants to accept Wicknell's money, that's their decision. As for me, I want no part of it."
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