Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Like or hate him, Chimuernga Music protégé Kurai Makore has arrived. His third album Dzimwe Nguva is testimony, a telling testimony that he has arrived on the scene and here to stay.
The intensity of his performance, the instrumentation, the music arrangement, vocal stylisation and little everything else on the album, is testament that a Chimurenga Music son, has burst onto the scene.
Makore has praised Suluman Chimbetu for recognising his talent, which has now captivated the hearts of millions.
He is also forever grateful to Thomas Mapfumo for helping him get to dizzy heights.
The 37-year-old made this confession during the launch of his third album, titled, “Dzimwe Nguva,” held at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare, last Friday.
In his address during the launch, where former Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi was the guest of honour, Kurai shared the role Suluman played in shaping his career.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my brother Sulu, who has not only graced my event and performed but also played a crucial role in my career,” stressed Kurai.
“I can safely say that it was he who discovered my talent at Jazz 105 (now Eastpoint). He knew me as Dr Thomas Mapfumo’s nephew and called me on stage during one of those album launches where I performed. Fans were blown away by my talent, and in no time, many asked me why I wasn’t recording my music. All that happened during that show has changed my life and brought me to where I am today. I can’t thank Sulu enough for the role he played, as I was sitting on my talent.”
In an interview after his performance, Kurai expressed his gratitude for the camaraderie that Sulu showed.
“It’s not easy for someone like him to shelve his own shows to come and support me on this occasion. I will always be humbled by this love, and I wish we had more musicians with Sulu’s heart. This is what we have always needed for the growth of the sector,” he emphasised.
In another interview, Sulu praised Kurai. “It was nice catching up with Makore during his third album launch.
“I can safely say that Kurai is someone I have watched and seen making a breakthrough in music. If you look closely at his performances, you can say they are always solid, which has allowed him to attract big crowds like these,” he stated.
He vowed to continue supporting Kurai should he need it.
Turning to the launch, Kurai attracted one of his rare and highly appreciative audiences in the past three years after announcing his arrival on the musical scene.
United Kingdom-based music promoter Joab Mugugu of Phab Entertainment Promotions, who is behind Kurai’s maiden tour of the country, was also in attendance alongside Mono Mukundu.
As has become the norm, Mono spiced up the launch when he joined Kurai on stage to play lead guitar. Prior to Kurai’s performance, Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora and Juntal warmed up the stage.
