Mukanya fears for life
Saddening news that Lancelot the young brother to legendary Chimurenga Music icon Dr. Thomas Mapfumo passed away. Lancelot had been Mukanya's Blacks, Unlimited band member, for more than 40 years.
Chimurenga family, tarasikirwa zvikuru. Not only did we lose a Blacks Unlimited giant, I lost my beloved young brother. We are reeling in pain. Lance was a father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed by loved ones. Famba zvakanaka munin’ina. pic.twitter.com/dj7QTBHMT0
— Thomas Mapfumo (@OfficialMukanya) September 19, 2022
Dr. Thomas Mapfumo who is exiled in the United States of America said that he was considering not coming to bury his younger brother since he fears for his life. In an interview, Dr. Mukanya mourned his brother expressing his loss, “Lancelot was my brother, workmate, and friend. I and the band have lost someone we worked with throughout our lives. It won’t be possible to fill his gap. He (Lancelot) will be buried in Zimbabwe, his homeland. We are making arrangements to bring his body from here”.
“Unfortunately, I won’t make the trip to Zimbabwe because of political reasons, as you know I am not a favorite of the government. He went on to say, “I fear for my life and safety if I come to Zimbabwe.”
Mukanya fears for his life. That is Thomas Mapfumo. Jailed for 3 months by Ian Smith. Challenged Mugabe and Mnangagwa. It is now and african gov. So called "revolutionary" gov, of Zanu PF that is hunting Mukanya. He cannot even go to bury his brother Lancelot in Zimbabwe
— Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni (@FelixNdiweni) October 2, 2022
However, government spokesperson Mr. Nick Mangwana said Mukanya was free to return to Zimbabwe and he had nothing to be afraid of.
We wish to express our sincere condolences to Mr Thomas Mapfumo over the sad loss of his younger brother, Lancelot(MHSRIP). We wish to advise Mr Mapfumo that he has nothing to fear in Zimbabwe. The security of his person is as assured as the rest of us. https://t.co/M4ZfezmWE2
— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) October 3, 2022
It is not known what will happen to the musician when he sets foot in Zimbabwe since he is a vocal critic of the regime. The last time he was in Zimbabwe was in 2018 when he openly campaigned against Mnangagwa's Zanu PF party.
