Thomas Mapfumo moves to protect music catalogue, warns nephew over performances
CHIMURENGA music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo has threatened legal action against his nephew, Kurai Makore, over the alleged unauthorised performance and commercial exploitation of songs from his musical catalogue.
In a cease and desist notice dated August 8, 2026, Mapfumo’s Chimurenga Music Company said Makore had not been granted permission to perform, record, stream or commercially exploit works belonging to the veteran musician.
The company said Mapfumo had previously encouraged his nephew to develop his own musical identity, but accused Makore of continuing to perform songs from his uncle’s repertoire despite warnings.
“His persistence in performing his uncle’s copyrighted material without a licence is not a family dispute; it is a blatant and wilful legal violation that can no longer be tolerated,” the company said.
The company also sought to distance Mapfumo from reports suggesting that Makore had been chosen as the heir to his uncle’s Chimurenga musical legacy.
It said Mapfumo had not appointed Makore, or any other person, as his successor.
According to the notice, the alleged performances could amount to copyright infringement under Zimbabwe’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05].
The company warned promoters, event organisers and venue operators to obtain the necessary copyright licences before hosting performances featuring Mapfumo’s works.
It said legal proceedings involving Makore, promoters and other parties deemed responsible were already under way, with possible claims including damages and injunctions.
The allegations have not been tested or determined by a court.
Mapfumo’s company is also demanding the removal of videos and livestreams showing Makore performing songs from the catalogue on social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Media organisations that have referred to Makore as Mapfumo’s chosen successor have also been urged to withdraw or correct such reports.
The company said such descriptions could create the impression among audiences, promoters and venues that Makore had been authorised to perform Mapfumo’s repertoire.
The dispute has also prompted a call for stronger copyright awareness within Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
Chimurenga Music Company urged the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to promote copyright education through workshops targeting musicians, promoters, venue operators and event organisers.
The proposed programmes would focus on copyright law, licensing requirements and the protection of intellectual property.
The company maintained that the matter should not be viewed simply as a family disagreement, arguing that the wider issue concerned the protection of 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.
All future legal and licensing correspondence has been directed to Warara and Associates Legal Practitioners and Mapfumo’s manager, Cuthbert Simbarashe Chiromo.
