Arts Correspondent
The enduring legacy of Zimbabwean music icon Thomas Mapfumo has once again become the centre of public conversation, this time over questions of copyright, inheritance and who gets to perform the legendary artist’s songs.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Chimurenga Music Company said upcoming musician Kurai 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 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 it is fans, history and the broader public who 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.
At the heart of the dispute is the issue of intellectual property rights. Chimurenga Music Company warned that promoters, venue owners and event organisers who host unauthorised performances could face legal consequences if proper licensing requirements are not met.
The notice also named several promoters and organisations allegedly involved in recent performances and livestreams featuring Mapfumo’s music, saying legal proceedings are already under way.
In a broader appeal, the company called on the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to intensify education campaigns around copyright law and licensing requirements, arguing that many players in the creative sector need a better understanding of intellectual property protections.
While the debate has reignited discussion about who represents the future of Chimurenga music, the company insists the issue is not about family relationships or succession, but about protecting creative works and ensuring artists receive recognition and compensation for their contributions.
