Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
IN African tradition, some family matters are better left unsaid or behind closed doors.
This principle is important in preserving harmony, dignity and the bonds that hold families together.
A well-kept family secret can sometimes serve as the glue that holds relationships together.
Maturity also demands that family disputes and sensitive matters be handled with discretion rather than being subjected to public scrutiny.
Once such issues spill into the public domain, dignity, respect and family honour can easily be left by the wayside.
It becomes even more unfortunate when such disputes involve well-to-do or influential figures whose private affairs inevitably attract public interest.
This seems to be the case between United States-based Chimurenga music legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo and Kurai Makore, whose spat, which played out on social media, has divided opinion.
Kurai, who is almost like Mukanya’s son given that his late father, Dominic Makore, was a younger brother of the Blacks Unlimited founder, has been trending after being publicly “disowned” by his uncle.
Embarrassed by the unfolding spectacle, some influential voices have been pleading for the matter to be handled privately.
Kurai is barely a decade into his music career but has already announced his arrival with a bang, while Mukanya, now 81, is winding down a remarkable career that has spanned several decades.
In an exclusive telephone interview with Mukanya from his base in the US, the Chimurenga music guru cleared the air on the issue.
Change of heart
Earlier, Mukanya’s camp had served Kurai with a “cease and desist” letter barring the Black Lions leader from performing the Chimurenga music guru’s songs during live shows.
However, Mapfumo seems to have softened his stance.
“This is a family issue and people must leave us to resolve our issues,” Mapfumo told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“When I said Kurai must stop using my music during live shows, I was only challenging him to work hard and be his own man who can write and compose songs.
“I have nothing against him because I have toured the United Kingdom and South Africa with him.
“I have been giving him exposure and it would be unfair for people to call me a heartless person. He remains my son according to our tradition.”
Mukanya revealed that he only wanted Kurai to acknowledge him each time he performs his compositions.
“He can play at least three or so songs, but he must acknowledge me because I am the one who composed those songs. Composing music is not that easy, and in my case, that has always been my lifestyle. I am not as cruel as people think because, if I was cruel, I could have barred him from playing my songs from the onset,” he said.
He firmly believes that Kurai has what it takes to succeed, as long as he remains original.
“The good template I want him to copy is that of Bob Marley’s family, where each member has their own compositions. In my case, I worked with my uncle, the late Marshall Munhumumwe, who developed into his own man.
“I have helped so many people who went on to do different types of music. By the way, my music is deeply grounded in our African tradition; it is not ordinary music that you hear every day.”
Apology accepted
Asked to comment on Kurai’s reaction that he will duly abide by the cease-and-desist order, Mapfumo said: “I have seen it somewhere online. It is good for him, but that will not erase the fact that he is my ‘son’ and I insist that he be original. A real father or father figure will always teach his children the right things and I am trying to do that in this case. Many might have misunderstood my stance, which appeared harsh, but there is no way I can get him arrested or sued because, at the end of the day, what I want is to preserve family ties.”
He added: “By the way, what would I benefit if I got him arrested or sued, which is inappropriate? I know how ruthless copyright infringement can be, and in my case, I just want Kurai to acknowledge me.
“In my case, I used to perform copyrighted music, imitating the Rolling Stones and Beatles back in the day and I later discovered my own path, which is what I am trying to teach the young man.”
Mukanya also said it was unnecessary for fans to compare him with his nephew.
“I was also shocked to note that there are some people who are now comparing me with Kurai, and that alone has also created unnecessary talk,” he said.
“I do not want him to read too much into that debate because it will distract him since he still has a long way to go. He must simply focus on his career, write his songs and I love him as a ‘son’ that I want to show the way.”
Chiromo factor
Amid reports that Mukanya was being misled by his associate Cuthbert Chiromo to “disown” Kurai, the legendary singer took responsibility for his utterances.
“Chiromo does not control me at all because he does not have my wisdom,” stressed Mukanya.
“I have known him for years and it would be insane for people to then conclude that he is the one who manipulates me. I am in charge and fully responsible for every word I say. I did not want to address our issues online, but Kurai was the first to do so and I had no option. Chiromo did not influence me; I know what I am doing.”
Mukanya, who is set to hold his final show in Zimbabwe later this year, revealed his future plans.
“Like I said, this will be my final show in Zimbabwe before I retire from musical performances. I will be actively involved in mentorship programmes, recordings, as well as compiling my book. My book is being compiled and I have a lot of stories to share.”
Mukanya revealed that he was also a hero in his own right, having played his part during the liberation struggle.
“In 1979, I was jailed for three months at Chikurubi for singing in support of comrades who were fighting in the bush to liberate Zimbabwe. There is quite a lot that I saw, experienced and endured, which I want the nation to know for the benefit of future generations.
“I do not want to go down with this history, which is being compiled by my daughter, Chiedza,” he said.
In an interview last week, Kurai maintained his stance.
“I still maintain that he remains my father and that is why I call him baba all the time, and not Thomas Mapfumo, if you have noticed. I have a lot of respect for him and I will do my best,” he said.
“Of course, he disowned me in public, but I am moving on and doing what he wants me to do. On a personal level, I am a hardworking person, alternating between Guruve and Harare.
“It is a matter of time before people know the truth and I am not going to breach his order since he is my father.”
Kurai, who is steadily building his profile, said the heavy social media attack had made him stronger.
“I learnt the hard way, but life goes on. I will always cherish him as my father, even though he disowned me.”
With the pair trying to find common ground, showbiz watchers have been calling on the warring parties to give dialogue a chance and let music be the winner.
