Arts Correspondent
Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo says he regrets pursuing legal action against his nephew and musician Kurai Makore over the performance of his music, but insists his actions are motivated by a desire to see the young artist develop his own identity and career rather than remain dependent on the Chimurenga legend’s catalogue.
While acknowledging that pursuing the legal route in the dispute was regrettable, Mapfumo said he felt it was necessary to get his message across.
The veteran musician made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who later shared details of the discussion on his digital platform.
According to Chin’ono, Mapfumo likened the situation to “a father wanting his son to grow into maturity, leave home and find his own place to stay”, saying his actions were being taken out of love and concern for Makore’s future.
“He said he regretted using the law to get his nephew to listen, but added that it is for Kurai’s own good,” Chin’ono wrote. “He wants more for Kurai than to be a tribute artist.”
Chin’ono said Mapfumo was concerned that Makore was not producing enough original music because he continued to rely heavily on performing songs from the Chimurenga icon’s extensive catalogue.
Drawing comparisons with the children of reggae legend Bob Marley, Mapfumo said artists such as Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley and Julian Marley had built successful careers largely on their own music, while occasionally incorporating songs from their father’s repertoire into their performances.
“He would like Kurai to write, produce and perform his own music,” Chin’ono said of Mapfumo’s position on his nephew.
“He would not mind if Kurai included a couple of songs from Thomas Mapfumo’s catalogue, but he does not want that catalogue to become the mainstay of Kurai’s career, overshadowing his own identity as an artist.”
Mapfumo also revealed that he had provided Makore with new musical material but felt his nephew had not shown sufficient interest in developing it.
According to Chin’ono, the Chimurenga music pioneer said he wants Makore to create his own sound, write original songs and establish a career that can stand independently.
The remarks come amid growing public debate over Makore’s use of Mapfumo’s music. Makore has built a following among Chimurenga fans through performances that mirror the legendary musician’s style and repertoire.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Chimurenga Music Company said Makore does not have permission to perform, record, stream or commercially exploit songs from Mapfumo’s catalogue.
The company, which says it exclusively controls the rights to the music, accused Makore of continuing to perform the songs despite repeated warnings from Mapfumo to pursue his own artistic path.
Beyond the copyright dispute, the company also took aim at reports suggesting that Makore had been anointed as the heir to the Chimurenga music legacy.
According to the statement, Mapfumo has never named a successor to his musical throne. Instead, the company argued that fans, history and the broader public ultimately determine which artists carry forward the spirit of a musical movement.
The company said some media reports had misinterpreted occasions when Makore appeared alongside Mapfumo at performances, creating the impression that a symbolic torch had been passed to the younger musician.
