Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
KURAI Makore has opted for silence amid a raging copyright dispute with his uncle Thomas Mapfumo.
He says he prefers to protect their family relationship than engage in a public war of words.
The Black Lions Band leader has been threatened with legal action if he continues to use the US-based legend’s music.
Mapfumo’s manager, Cuthbert Chiromo, has been vocal about Makore’s alleged breach of Zimbabwe’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act (Chapter 26:05), warning promoters, event organisers and venues to ensure that appropriate copyright licences are obtained before performances.
However, in the interest of preserving family relations, Makore has vowed to remain tight-lipped over the matter.
“I won’t comment on the matter. Relations are very special to maintain and keep,” said Makore.
“The matter has been brought into the public domain and I will find ways to address it.”
With Makore opting for an amicable resolution, a close associate of the musician told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that there were better ways for the two parties to resolve the dispute.
“We have been following the issue with keen interest and believe there are better ways for the two parties to find each other,” said the associate.
“Kurai and Mukanya are related, which makes this issue delicate.
“Mukanya has toured with Kurai before, which made us believe they were getting along well. “At one point, they shared the stage in the United Kingdom, and it was a breathtaking experience – almost like a father-and-son affair.
“What has changed now, with Makore being accused of infringing the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act?
“Legally, Mukanya is within his rights but, for the sake of maintaining their relationship, they need to find each other.”
Makore’s pal also urged the musician to remain calm and level-headed during these trying times.
“If you look closely at what he has gone through, it is critical that Kurai remains calm.
“He knows what to do to rectify the matter.
“He is always in touch with his uncle, and they can still find each other.
“After all, Kurai knows the channels and how to engage his uncle.
“Traditionally, he is as good as Mukanya’s son, and nothing can ever stop them from working together.
“I will also talk to him and encourage him to engage his uncle.”
Born and raised in Highfield, Harare, Makore draws a lot of his inspiration from his rural home in Guruve.
A village headman under Chief Chipuriro’s area of jurisdiction, Makore is a regular visitor to his rural home, where he continues to draw wisdom from elders.
For now, his focus appears to be firmly on music.
To date, he has two albums to his credit – “Garaunzwe”, released in 2020, and “Ngoma Kurira”, released in 2022.
He has also released several singles in between, with his latest offering, “Thombi”, doing reasonably well on the charts.
Touted by some as the heir apparent to the Chimurenga throne, something which Mukanya now disputes, Makore has vowed to remain humble and dedicated to his craft.
“I am not chasing instant fame, although many people are now convinced that the Chimurenga legacy is in safe hands under my care,” he once said.
“I am determined to continue learning the ropes and keep on improving.
“Rome was not built overnight, and I believe in hard work.” With Mukanya contemplating quitting music, Makore had appeared well positioned to help carry the family’s musical legacy into the future.
However, the latest dispute has come as a surprise to sections of the music fraternity, who had long believed that Mukanya has embraced and mentored his nephew.
The two have previously toured and performed together, further strengthening the perception that Makore was being groomed to carry the Chimurenga tradition.
The latest dispute emerged after Mukanya was offered US$1 million to perform at two events organised by businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, in Zimbabwe.
Makore publicly defended his uncle’s decision to accept the offer.
The fallout has since left many in the music fraternity questioning what went wrong between the two musicians, particularly given their close family and musical ties.
A statement then emerged from the Mukanya camp which said that Makore had no authority to speak on behalf of the legend.
That was the first sign that there was trouble in paradise.
