Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE spectacular fallout between Chimurenga music guru Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo and his nephew, Kurai Makore, has raised concern within the music fraternity.
Those close to the two musicians are calling for dialogue to prevent the dispute from damaging their longstanding family and musical relationship. Makore, who leads the Black Lions Band, has been accused of breaching Zimbabwe’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act (Chapter 26:05) through his continued use of material associated with his uncle.
Mukanya’s manager, Cuthbert Chiromo, has been vocal about Makore’s conduct.
Mukanya’s family has warned 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,” Makore told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“Relations are very special to maintain and keep. The matter has been brought into the public domain and I will find ways to address it.”
His close associate said 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.”
He also urged Makore 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.”
Makore draws a lot of his inspiration from his rural home in Guruve.
He is regular visitor to his rural home, where he continues to draw wisdom from elders. 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. 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. Fans have also been left debating the matter, with many calling for dialogue while others feel Mukanya’s handlers have been too harsh on Makore.
The timing of the dispute has also raised questions, particularly given the two musicians’ history of performing and working together.
For now, the hope among those close to the family is that the two musicians can put their differences aside and find common ground before the dispute causes lasting damage to both their family relationship and the musical legacy they share.
