His first commercial success came with the single “Seiko”, on which he featured Rockford Josphat (Roki), and topped the national charts upon its release in 2000.

The album's success, particularly Mapfumo's single “Maidei”, established him as a fixture in the Zimbabwean urban music scene.

In 2007 Mapfumo released his second album and first solo work, Namapfumo, and also founded his own studio, Heshi Mfeshi.

Mapfumo then released The Journey in 2010, including the song “Two Chete”, which scored his fourth number 1 single.

Leonard Mapfumo is also an ambassador for a youth organisation called Dance4Life which address the issues of HIV and AIDS in young people.

His work with Roki, particularly on the single “Seiko” and their 2005 joint album R & L, played a key role in launching both artists to the forefront of the Zimbabwean music scene.