By Correspondent.
Chimurenga music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has shot down public accusations that he is sabotaging Kurai Makore’s rising career, insisting that a recent directive banning the rising musician from performing his legendary catalogue stems from tough love, not malice.
Addressing the bitter feud that has captivated the Zimbabwean music scene, the exiled legend clarified that his insistence on trademark respect is meant to push the younger artist out of his shadow. The tension erupted after Mapfumo publicly warned Makore to stop relying on his hit tracks during live performances—a move critics quickly labeled as heavy-handed.
Mapfumo rejected the harsh public narrative surrounding the feud, framing the dispute as an internal family matter that requires mentorship rather than legal battles.
“This is a family issue and people must leave us to resolve our issues,” Mapfumo stated. “When I said Kurai must stop using my music during live shows, I was only challenging him to work hard and be his own man who can write and compose songs.”
The veteran musician pointed out that he has actively nurtured Makore’s career over the years, taking him on international tours to South Africa and the United Kingdom to give him valuable stage exposure.
“I have been giving him exposure and it would be unfair for people to call me a heartless person. He remains my son according to our tradition,” Mapfumo explained, adding that Makore is permitted to perform a small selection of his classic tracks provided proper credit is given on stage. “He can play at least three or so songs, but he must acknowledge me because I am the one who composed those songs.”
Mapfumo confirmed he has no intention of taking legal action or seeking police intervention against Makore, emphasizing that he simply wants intellectual property rights respected without destroying family bonds.
“What would I benefit if I got him arrested or sued, which is inappropriate?” Mapfumo noted. “I know how ruthless copyright infringement can be, and in my case, I just want Kurai to acknowledge me.”
Speaking to ZiFM Stereo, Makore took a conciliatory tone, reaffirming his deep respect for the Chimurenga master while pledging to honor his wishes. Makore stated that he regards Mapfumo as a father figure and would not publicly challenge the music icon’s authority. He committed to stepping away from Mapfumo’s compositions and focusing on his own original discography.
Makore backed up those words days after the public dispute unfolded, delivering a high-energy performance composed of his own original material at Feli Nandi’s “Fill Up HICC” concert.
Mapfumo urged fans and commentators to stop comparing the two artists, advising Makore to ignore the social media noise and double down on shaping his unique musical identity.
“I do not want him to read too much into that debate because it will distract him since he still has a long way to go,” Mapfumo said. “He must simply focus on his career, write his songs, and I love him as a son that I want to show the way.”
