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Trust Khosa
HE is soft spoken, calm and composed, but on stage Kurai Makore is quite a beast, explosive, agile and very much involved in his music to the end.
The traditional tunes flow naturally for him.
But the Chimurenga Music exponent reckons the genre has stood the test and taste of time due to its authenticity.
Pioneered by US-based Thomas Mapfumo, Makore insists that his uncle’s shoes are too big to fill.
In an interview, the 36-year-old said he was determined to make his own impres- sion in music.
“The person who pioneered Chimurenga Music is a living legend whose shoes are too difficult and big to fill.
“You cannot talk of Chimurenga Music without mentioning my uncle, Thomas Mapfumo.
“In my case, I am only preserving the legacy started by my uncle who has paved the way for us to be where we are today,” he said.
The Black Lions frontman, who is set to participate in three major festivals before year-end, believes fans and arts promoters
Trust Khosa
SELMOR Mtukudzi’s exclusion from the line-up billed to perform at the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of Arts (OMIFA) has split public opinion.
The two-day event will be held on September 21 and 22 at Pakare Paye Arts Centre, in Norton, in memory of the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
Tuku succumbed to diabetes complications on January 23, 2019. He was 66.
Tuku was accorded national hero status and was buried at his Madziva homestead in Mashonaland Central province.
Five years after his death, Tuku Music (Pvt) Ltd, which runs the late icon’s affairs, has decided to honour him with an interna- tional festival.
However, Tuku Music has riled fans after snubbing Selmor from the line-up.
Contacted for comment, Selmor, who is undoubtedly Tuku’s most talented child, said she was not contacted by the event organisers.
“(I am) still waiting to hear from them (and) will let you know if there are any devel- opments,” she said.
Festival director, Samantha Mtukudzi, was not picking up her phone.
She also didn’t respond to the questions sent to her yesterday.
Tuku’s widow, Daisy Mtukudzi, said she was fed up with the Selmor row.
“I am tired of that issue because people will
now respect his brand.
“As a musician, it’s hard to convince
event managers when you are not a suc- cessful musician.
“Some promoters prefer dealing with big names, but I am glad I am now being considered for big festivals.
“I have been included in the Kadoma Music Festival to be held in October and two mbira festivals later this month, which shows that our brand is growing,” he said.
Makore, who leads a 14-piece band, believes authenticity and originality will take him places.
“I am one of the people who believe in quality sound to ensure that I come up with authentic sound.
“I learnt it from my uncle who has an ear for good music.
“He does not hesitate to tell his band members when they are playing off keys, which has helped me to be where I am today.”
Outlining his vision, Makore said he was eyeing the international market.
“My dream is to establish my brand and also make an international breakthrough that many of us are yearning for.
“I am working hard to ensure that I achieve my dreams as a musician.
“I believe there is only one Kurai Makore who is set to make an impression in music,” he said.
Makore, who lost both parents at a young age, said he was using music as a painkiller.
“I am one of the people who find com- fort in music.
“After losing many people who were close to me over the years, I can only use music as a painkiller.
“I find joy in music because it is ther- apeutic for some of us who understand it,” he said.
The crooner, who is set to mark his 37th birthday this weekend, has vowed to leave behind a strong musical legacy.
“Building an impressive body of art is every creative artiste’s desire and wish.
“I would like to be remembered as a game-changer in showbiz.
“I am doing my best to ensure that I leave behind a legacy to be cherished for years,” he said.
Besides being raised in Highfield, Harare, Makore has his village at heart.
“I always travel to my rural home in
Guruve where I am also a village head under Chief Chipuriro.
“I make sure that I juggle between Harare and my rural home.
“As a musician and leader, I enjoy work- ing with the people in my area as well as addressing their needs,” added Makore, who is working closely with elders.
A full-time musician, Makore does not regret quitting his job as an assistant boiler maker at Zimplats.
“I couldn’t resist this calling for music after my uncle’s recommendation.
“My uncle (Thomas Mapfumo) believes in my talent and I can’t afford to disap- point him
“He also advised me to be original and that is the reason I didn’t use Mapfumo as my stage name despite our close family bond.”
To date, he has recorded two albums to his credit namely, “Garaunzwe” recorded in 2020 and “Ngoma Kurira” in 2022.
He has also released several singles in between. His latest single titled “Thombie” is also doing well on the charts.
Touted as the Chimurenga heir appar- ent, Makore has vowed to remain humble and dedicated to his work.
Online Reporter