Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE recent United Kingdom Thomas Mapfumo final show has shown one thing: if perfection were a class, Kurai Makore would easily pass with flying colours.
A passionate performer and gifted composer— the heir apparent of Chimurenga music has every reason to be ecstatic as he upholds his uncle Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo’s legacy.
Since receiving the green light to continue his uncle’s work three years ago, Kurai has consistently impressed, shining brighter with each passing week.
He showcased his talent last Friday during his homecoming party at The Yard Restaurant in Long Cheng Plaza, Belvedere, Harare.
The show was a bit special as Kurai was reunited with Chimurenga music fanatics after a successful tour of the United Kingdom.
To say he nailed it would be an understatement, magical is the right word.
He was at his best, delivering one of his polished acts that will remain etched in the minds of many for years to come.
The Black Lions boss made his life easier as he played both his uncle’s all-time classics and his own compositions.
Songs that made the night enjoyable included “Vanhu Vatema,” “Vatete,” “Pidigori,” “Ndave Kuenda,” and the crowd’s favourite, “Nyoka Musango.”
Those who are madly in love with the genre were reminded that Chimurenga music is in safe hands as he delivered with class and zest.
He also reminded many that he is the perfect heir apparent to the genre, which Mapfumo exclusively told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, has no owner.
To prove all the doubting Thomases that he is in a league of his own, Kurai made his life simple as he churned out his own tracks with absolute finesse.
These tracks included “Kanyarugwe,” “Rombe,” “Manhanga Matete,” “Hukama,” and the crowd’s favourite, “Tombie,” which left the audience in awe. Fronting a band with elders good enough to be his fathers or uncles, Makore proved that he is in safe hands as he gelled well with them.
“I always respect these elders because they mean a lot to me,” he stressed.
“Growing up in the village, I was raised by mature people like these, and I always cherish their wisdom, which has made me the person I am today. It’s always a good feeling being surrounded by good people of this calibre, and I will always cherish the good things they have done for me,” he emphasised.
“As I indicated in a previous interview with your newspapers, I have been sitting on this talent for years. It’s a good feeling to be here showcasing it.
“However, I could not have made it to the top without the support I received from these elders. They have shown me that I can make it to the top, and here I am doing what I love and cherish.”
He also hailed his uncle Mapfumo for blessing his musical journey, which has now yielded positive results.
“For your information, I could not have made it this far without the support of my uncle. He has played a father figure role since the time I lost my father. It’s always a marvel to be supported by a living legend who loves what he does,” he stated. “To be honest, I can’t afford to disappoint him because he has made me who I am today. Sharing the stage with him last month was the best thing ever to happen to me, and I will always cherish that moment, which has made me a household name back home.”
He, however, conceded that he will remain humble despite all the fame he has garnered in a short space of time.
“To be honest with you, it is by God’s grace that I am here doing what I love the most. I will always cherish this fame that I have, and I can’t believe that I am here doing what I enjoy the most. My prayer is to touch the hearts of millions with mature music,” he stated.
Kurai, who started off as a bus conductor and later tried vending before venturing into music with the help of Suluman Chimbetu, has defied the odds by following his heart.
“Most of the time it feels like I am dreaming because I have achieved this rare feat in such a short time. I always want to leave my fans pleased, and that has always been the case with me because Chimurenga fans are mature people who demand a lot. I am glad that I have the support of various stakeholders in this industry, which is hard to come by,” he pointed out.
Without fear or favour, Kurai is one of the talented musicians who has risen to prominence through hard work.
To the surprise of many, he does not resemble a newcomer, as the crooner has been delivering to perfection wherever he performs, as was the case last weekend at The Yard.
