Zimbabwe: 'You Are Not My Heir', Music Legend Mapfumo Chides Makore and Bans Him From Performing His Music

What the report says

Zimbabwean Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo has ordered his nephew, Kurai Makore, to stop performing songs from Mapfumo’s catalogue. According to the New Zimbabwe report distributed by AllAfrica, the dispute has intensified over Makore’s public performances, which some had viewed as a way of keeping Chimurenga music visible while he builds his own career. Mapfumo’s camp says Makore has no licence to use the songs and that the material is controlled by Chimurenga Music Company.

The reported cease-and-desist notice says Makore is not authorized to record, stream, perform, or commercially use Mapfumo’s works. It also rejects suggestions that Makore has been chosen as an heir or successor to Mapfumo’s musical legacy, saying no such designation has ever been made. The document frames the issue as a copyright matter rather than a family disagreement.

The story places the clash in the broader context of Chimurenga music, a Zimbabwean genre closely associated with Mapfumo. The article notes that Makore has been described by some media and supporters as a possible successor, but Mapfumo’s latest position is that any artist may perform other music only with proper clearance. The report also says legal proceedings against Makore, his promoters, and other involved parties are now underway, with possible injunctions and financial penalties if the performances continue.