adminGilbert Munetsi
KURAI MAKORE, the artiste widely believed to be Thomas Mapfumo’s heir apparent in the Chimurenga musical genre, will launch his seven-track second album in South Africa on October 28 and 30.
Mapfumo is an elder brother to Kurai’s father, who is now late.
Speaking on the sidelines of the funeral wake of his other uncle, Lancelot Mapfumo, in Mbare recently, Makore said he will be releasing the album on the same day with Darlington Tanganyika.
They will both be supported by Dino Mudondo in two shows to be held in Braamfontein and Benoni.
Mapfumo nurtured him and has given him the opportunity to showcase his skills on the same stage with the Chimurenga music guru in South Africa.
Makore and his 15-member Black Lions outfit, whose debut album Gara Unzwe (produced at Eethmn Music) was well received, has been performing a couple of farewell gigs before leaving for SA.
On Saturday he was at Classic Night Club in Glen Norah and the following day he played at Pamuzinda Highway Escape.
He says his new production is purely Chimurenga, but the songs touch a variety of themes, which include love, loss of loved ones, folklore and peace.
The seven tracks contained on the EPL are Pasi, Tsamba, Makaripa, Kanyarugwe, Gaka, Mapapiro, Ekenia and Dzinochemedza.
Fans, mainly from Mbare, who attended Lancelot’s funeral wake as his body lay in state at the family home, had the chance to sample some of these new songs.
Makore blended Mapfumo’s old songs (which took mourners down memory lane) with his own.
Of particular interest, in his band, is the inclusion of former Blacks Unlimited guitarist Remigio Tagwirei (a.k.a Reggo) who strums the lead.
Makore spoke at length about the appreciation people have for his music, the challenges of being a son to a musical legend and plans for the future. “We will go to SA to do our launch because there are people there who saw us perform and were thrilled by our work.
“So, they have asked us to go over and launch because they are meeting the costs. For us this speaks volumes about their appreciation.
“Curtain-raising for Mudhara has had a very positive impact on my music.
“Like the sons of John Chibadura, Simon Chimbetu, Tongai Moyo and others, it is not easy to have a legendary father because his shoes are usually too big to fit in.
“So, as I am learning the ropes, I will take it one step at a time until such time I have built my own name.
“It is not an event, it’s a process and people need to understand that, as they may have expectations for me, it takes a bit of time to build Rome,” said Makore.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter