Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Chimurenga music exponent Kurai Makore may be enjoying a purple patch, but his instant success did not come easily.
The Black Lions front man has recounted how he once earned a living as a bus conductor after finishing high school at St Phillips Magwenya in Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province.
Like many young people in rural areas, he faced limited opportunities and eventually moved to Harare in search of work.
With the help of his uncles, Makore secured a job as a bus conductor in 2004.
“I wasn’t born the star I am today because I started from the bottom, hustling like any other school-leaver of my generation,” Makore reflected.
“My first job after relocating to Harare, where I stayed with my uncles, was as a bus conductor for Fausipo Logistics, and I later became a manager.”
Though he eventually rose to the position of transport manager, that role was short-lived, prompting him to pursue a different career path.
The 37-year-old shared with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that life has not always been easy as he lost both parents within five years.
“My mother, Sosonia Nyamutumbu, passed away in 2000 when I was still young, and my father, Dominic, died in 2005.
“This meant I had to support my sister, Tsitsi, born in 1993. It is by God’s grace that we have managed to persevere through hard work and sacrifice,” narrated Makore, who once lived in Highfield.
Determined to provide for his family, Makore started running a market stall at Mbare Musika in Harare.
“My mother used to operate a market stall there, and it’s the only job I have known over the years.
“I thoroughly enjoyed selling my wares at Mbare Musika because it meant a lot to me. It feels miraculous that I have transitioned from that job to becoming a full-time musician,” he emphasised.
Musical calling
Reflecting on his calling to music, Makore acknowledged it was somewhat unexpected.
“To be honest, I didn’t know I could sing until 2019 when I attended Zee Guvheya’s album launch at Jazz 105.
“Suluman Chimbetu invited me on stage to sing one of my idol Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo’s songs. The fans were blown away, which encouraged me to record my own music.”
Although he grew up listening to Chimurenga music, he had never recognised his own talent.
“In fact, I sat on my talent for years until I was convinced to form my group, The Black Lions. Even Mdhara (Dr Thomas ‘Mukanya’ Mapfumo) was surprised by my ability and encouraged me to start my journey as a recording artiste,” he shared.
The energetic performer made an immediate impact in 2020 with his debut album “Gara Unzwe,” which quickly garnered acclaim.
“I decided to fulfil my true calling when I recorded my first album, and it was an instant hit.
“Thanks to producers Oscar Chamba and Knowledge Nkoma at KOM Studio, I have been pushed to realise my potential. Without that cameo at Zee Guvheya’s album launch, I might never have discovered my talent for music.”
Breakthrough
Makore’s breakthrough came in 2022 with his second album, “Ngoma Kurira,” which further enhanced his profile as a recording artiste.
Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 lockdowns, his career flourished during these trying times. “Everything that has happened in my life feels like a miracle because God has blessed me beyond measure.
“I have been receiving contracts to perform at major festivals, and reputable arts promoters have been engaging us for our services.
“We can still hold our own shows, and it’s encouraging to see how much fans love our music,” added Makore.
Mukanya factor
Makore’s journey would be incomplete without acknowledging his uncle Mapfumo’s influence.
“Mukanya ordained me to pursue my passion for music and granted me permission to perform his songs at live shows.
“I’m grateful to have a loving father figure in him, as he has encouraged me to work hard. I can’t thank him enough because I’m making music during his lifetime,” he emphasised.
Makore revealed plans to honour Mukanya, who will celebrate his 80th birthday next month.
“As he turns 80 on July 2, we are organising something special for him. We are planning a musical gala, which will also serve as a precursor to my album launch set for August.
“The title of my album is ‘Dzimwe Nguva,’ and we have completed the recording process,” he assured fans.
A perfectionist both in the studio and on stage, Makore promised his fans they would never be deprived of Chimurenga music.
“We give it our all, whether on stage or in the studio, because we want our music to resonate with generations,” he said.
Village head
While Makore spends much of his time in Harare, he also has responsibilities back in his rural community.
“I was appointed as the village head when I was in Form 2, tasked with leading Makore Village in Guruve under Chief Chipuriro. My uncle bestowed this honour upon me, and I always carry the badge with pride. I make it a point to visit Guruve to engage with elders and resolve any disputes,” shared Makore.
“There are myths suggesting that one can easily bewitch a village head or chief if they neglect certain rituals for protection from ancestors, but I don’t subscribe to those beliefs,” Makore stated.
