By Advent Shoko
Zimbabwean music legend Thomas Mukanya Mapfumo has issued a stern warning to his nephew, Kurai Makore, saying he is not authorised to perform, record, stream or commercially exploit songs from his extensive Chimurenga music catalogue.
The warning, contained in a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, August 8, 2026, could reignite debate over who, if anyone, will carry the Chimurenga music legacy associated with one of Zimbabwe’s most influential musicians.
Mapfumo, who is preparing for what he has described as his final performances in Zimbabwe before calling time on his career, said Makore had no permission to perform his copyrighted works.
The veteran musician also rejected claims that Makore had been chosen as his successor or heir to the Chimurenga music throne.
“Thomas Mapfumo has never designated any heir or successor to his musical legacy – by blood, by decree, or by any other means,” the statement said.
Mapfumo Dismisses ‘Heir’ Narrative
The issue is particularly significant because Makore has previously appeared in the Mapfumo musical orbit, including performing in his stead at some shows.
That history appears to have fuelled speculation that he was being groomed to take over from his famous father.
Mapfumo, however, said that interpretation was wrong.
According to the statement issued by Chimurenga Music Company, an invitation for Makore to open for Mapfumo at a number of shows was allegedly turned into a narrative that the veteran musician had “handed down the torch”.
Mapfumo said no such succession arrangement existed.
“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 statement said.
The musician added that he had never claimed to possess a torch that needed to be passed to another artist.
Instead, he said the public and history would ultimately determine who carries the broader Chimurenga legacy.
“It is THE PEOPLE – the fans, the nation, and history itself – who ultimately decide who carries the mantle of a legend,” the statement said.
𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆
Chimurenga Music Company said Mapfumo’s musical catalogue is exclusively owned and controlled by the company and accused Makore of continuing to perform the material despite repeated warnings.
The company described the alleged performances as unauthorised use of copyrighted material.
It also warned promoters, event organisers and venue owners against facilitating performances involving Mapfumo’s songs without the necessary licensing.
The statement specifically named Chipaz Promotions, Primus Energy Corporation, Naison Marufu and Pacival Percy Mukuchura of Tropical Sound & Music Distributors among promoters and individuals it alleges have been involved in the promotion or streaming of unauthorised performances.
Those allegations have not been independently tested in court.
Chimurenga Music Company said it intends to pursue legal remedies against what it describes as copyright infringements.
Promoters Put On Notice
Mapfumo’s company also issued a broader warning to promoters and venue owners.
It said organisers have a responsibility to establish whether artists have the necessary licences before allowing copyrighted material to be performed at their events.
The company warned that failure to comply could result in claims for damages, outstanding licence fees and other legal consequences.
It also called on social media platforms to remove videos, livestreams and other content featuring what it considers unauthorised performances of Mapfumo’s music.
The statement named Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram among platforms hosting such content.
Legal Action Claimed
Chimurenga Music Company said legal proceedings against Makore, promoters and other parties it considers complicit are already underway.
“Legal proceedings against Kurai Makore, his promoters, and all other complicit parties are NOW ACTIVE,” the statement said.
The company said it would pursue the matter through the courts and warned that continued alleged infringement could result in financial penalties, injunctions and other legal consequences.
ZiGoats could not independently verify the status or scope of the legal proceedings at the time of publication.
A Legacy Bigger Than Family
The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for Mapfumo, whose music has been deeply intertwined with Zimbabwe’s cultural and political history.
Known globally as the “Lion of Zimbabwe”, Mapfumo helped popularise Chimurenga music, blending traditional Shona musical elements with socially and politically charged lyrics.
His catalogue includes some of the country’s most recognisable songs, giving the question of who can perform his work significance beyond a normal family disagreement.
For years, fans have also debated who could continue his musical tradition after his retirement.
Mapfumo’s latest statement makes his position clear: he does not recognise Kurai Makore as his musical heir and says performing his copyrighted songs requires proper authorisation.
The statement also urged the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to intensify education around copyright, licensing and intellectual-property rights in the creative sector.
Mapfumo: ‘No One Is Above The Law’
Chimurenga Music Company said the dispute was not simply a personal or family matter but part of a wider effort to protect artists’ creative rights.
“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 company concluded with an uncompromising warning to artists, promoters, venues, media organisations and digital platforms.
“No one is above the law – not family, not promoters, not media, not platforms.”
The statement leaves little room for ambiguity: while Makore may continue to pursue his own artistic career, Mapfumo says that career must not involve performing his father’s songs without the required permission.
And with the veteran musician preparing for his final Zimbabwe shows, the question of what happens to the Chimurenga legacy after Mapfumo steps off the stage is likely to become even more closely watched.
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