Thomas Mapfumo Says Nephew Kurai Makore Has No Licence To Perform His Music

Veteran musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, through the Chimurenga Music Company, has issued a formal cease-and-desist order barring his nephew Kurai Makore from performing, recording or commercially exploiting any of his works.

In a notice issued on Saturday, 8 August, addressed to promoters, event organisers, venue owners, social media platforms, media houses and the general public, the company said the action was final and mandatory.

According to the notice, Makore, who is the nephew of Mapfumo, is not authorised and has never been authorised to perform Mapfumo’s music.

The company stressed that Mapfumo had on multiple occasions personally advised his nephew to forge his own original artistic path.

The notice described Makore’s continued performances of the copyrighted material without a licence as defiant, and said the matter was not a family dispute but a wilful legal violation.

Chimurenga Music Company said it exclusively owns and controls the Mapfumo catalogue.

Mukanya also rejected reports that Makore had been confirmed as the heir to the Chimurenga throne or legacy.

According to the company, Mapfumo has never designated any heir or successor to his musical legacy by blood, by decree or by any other means.

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

The company added that in African culture and in the arts, it is the people – the fans, the nation and history itself – who decide who carries the mantle of a legend.

It warned media houses that had carried the succession narrative to retract the reports, stating that continued dissemination would expose them to liability for defamation and alleged complicity in copyright infringement.

The claims, the notice said, were an attempt to legitimise alleged unauthorised performances through false association and to exploit the Mapfumo name for commercial gain.

The company said recent live streams and promotion of Makore’s unauthorised performances constitute violations of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05], as well as performance rights and related rights.

In the notice, the company names Chipaz Promotions, Primus Energy Corporation, Naison Marufu and Mr Pacival Percy Mukuchura of Tropical Sound & Music Distributors among the promoters whose actions it alleges to be infringing.

All promoters, event organisers and venue owners were placed on notice that they could be held jointly and severally liable for copyright violations occurring at their events.

According to the notice, it is their legal duty to verify, prior to any performance, that the artist holds a valid music copyright licence from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, ZIMURA, and to refuse to facilitate any artist who cannot produce such documentation.

The notice states that failure to comply could result in penalties of US$100 per violation in addition to outstanding licence fees, legal proceedings for contributory and vicarious infringement, and claims for damages.

The company said these obligations apply both in Zimbabwe and abroad, noting that Zimbabwe is a signatory to international copyright conventions including the Berne Convention.

The order extends to digital platforms. Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other platforms hosting videos, live streams or any content featuring Makore performing the works in question were required to immediately remove such material and cease further distribution or promotion.

The notice warns that failure to act could render platforms liable for contributory infringement.

Chimurenga Music Company said legal proceedings against Makore, his promoters and other allegedly complicit parties are now active.

“The legal consequences for continued violations are severe – including substantial financial penalties, injunctions, and criminal liability,” the notice stated, adding that the company will pursue the actions to the fullest extent of the law.

“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.