By Paul Nyathi|Chimurenga music guru Thomas Mapfumo nearly caused a stampede as hundreds of fans welcomed him at the Robert Mugabe International Airport on Independence Day.

Mukanya, as the musician is popularly called, landed in the country to a heroes welcome after 14 years in exile in the United States.

Zimbabweans from all walks of life thronged the airport to catch a glimpse of the musical icon’s historic return.

The media had to hackle for an interview in the midst of the ecstatic fans.

Mukanya said he is happy to be back home and to see his fellow friends still alive, adding that he was motivated to be back home after hearing that there has been a restoration of normalcy in the country.

He left the country in 2004 in a protest against then President Robert Mugabe’s leadership accusing Mugabe of gross human rights abuses.

Mapfumo is set to grace the stage with legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi  and Jah Prayzah in a sold out concert in the capital on the 28th of April.