Mapfumo bars nephew Kurai Makore from performing his music

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 9, 2026

VETERAN Zimbabwean musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has, through Chimurenga Music Company, issued a cease-and-desist notice against his nephew Kurai Makore, ordering him to stop performing, recording or commercially exploiting Mapfumo’s musical works. The notice, dated Saturday, August 8, 2026, was addressed to promoters, event organisers, venue owners, media houses, social media platforms and the general public.

Chimurenga Music Company said Makore was not authorised to perform Mapfumo's music and had never been granted permission to do so. The company said Mapfumo had personally advised his nephew on several occasions to develop his own original artistic identity. It described Makore's alleged continued use of Mapfumo's copyrighted material without a licence as a deliberate legal violation, insisting that the dispute was not a family disagreement.

According to the notice, Chimurenga Music Company exclusively owns and controls the Mapfumo catalogue.

Mapfumo rejects ‘Chimurenga throne’ claim

The company also rejected reports that Makore had been selected as the successor to Mapfumo's musical legacy. It said Mapfumo had never appointed an heir or successor to what has become one of Zimbabwe's most influential musical legacies. The company said appearances in which Makore opened for Mapfumo had subsequently been portrayed by some media outlets as a symbolic transfer of the “Chimurenga torch”.

“What was an invitation to open for Thomas Mapfumo in a couple of shows was spun into a ‘handing down of a torch’ to Kurai by some sections of the media,” the notice stated.

“Mr Mapfumo never claimed to hold any torch that needed passing down.”

The company argued that artistic succession is ultimately determined by audiences, the nation and history rather than by a formal inheritance arrangement. It also demanded that media organisations carrying the succession narrative retract their reports, warning that continued publication could expose them to potential defamation and copyright-related claims.

Promoters placed on notice

The notice names Chipaz Promotions, Primus Energy Corporation, Naison Marufu and Percival Percy Mukuchura of Tropical Sound & Music Distributors among parties whom the company alleges have been involved in infringing activities. Chimurenga Music Company warned promoters, event organisers and venue owners that they could potentially face liability if copyrighted Mapfumo works were performed without the necessary authorisation.

It urged organisers to verify that artists performing Mapfumo's works have appropriate music copyright licences before allowing performances to proceed. The company specifically referred to licences from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) and said failure to comply could result in legal action, claims for damages and other remedies. It also cited Zimbabwe's Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05] in support of its position.

Social media platforms warned

The cease-and-desist notice also extends to digital platforms. Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other platforms hosting videos or livestreams featuring Makore performing the disputed works were urged to remove the material and stop further distribution or promotion.

The company warned that it could pursue claims against parties it believes contributed to alleged copyright infringement. It said legal proceedings involving Makore, promoters and other allegedly involved parties were already active.

The company warned that continued alleged violations could result in financial penalties, injunctions and, where applicable, criminal proceedings.

“These actions are not about personal disputes – they are about defending the rule of law, protecting intellectual property, and preserving the dignity of creative labour,” the company said.

The notice represents Chimurenga Music Company's position in the dispute. It does not by itself establish that Makore or any of the named promoters have infringed copyright, and the allegations would have to be determined through the appropriate legal processes. Mapfumo, widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe's most influential musicians, has built a decades-long musical legacy around Chimurenga music, making questions surrounding control and use of his catalogue particularly significant for Zimbabwe's music industry.

Thomas Mapfumo Kurai Makore