Mapfumo faces legal war as fight with Kurai Makore turns nasty

Musician Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo is facing a potential legal battle with his former publicist, Dr Blessing Vava, who has rejected allegations that he influenced the musical career and decisions of Mapfumo's relative, Kurai Makore.

Vava described the allegations as reckless, malicious and unfounded and has demanded a retraction and public apology from Mapfumo and the publication that carried the claims.

In a strongly worded statement, Vava said he categorically rejected Mapfumo's suggestion that he was among the "handlers" influencing Makore's decisions.

"I categorically, unequivocally, and unreservedly reject this allegation. It is false, malicious, unsupported by a single credible fact, and gravely damaging to my professional reputation," Vava said.

Vava said he had previously served as a publicist and media consultant for Mapfumo and the Chimurenga Music Company, maintaining that he had always conducted himself professionally and with respect for the musician, his family and his artistic legacy.

He said it was "outrageous and wholly unacceptable" that his name had once again been dragged into a public dispute without evidence.

Vava also cited a February 8, 2019 report by the same publication in which Mapfumo allegedly accused him and Max Mugaba of Entertainment Republic of "fleecing" money from gate receipts during the Peace Tour.

He rejected that allegation, saying he had no involvement in ticketing, gate management or the collection of show proceeds.

"I chose not to institute immediate legal proceedings in 2019 out of profound respect for Mr. Mapfumo as an elder and an icon of Zimbabwean music. That restraint was an act of respect and professional courtesy. It was never an admission of guilt," he said.

Vava challenged Mapfumo to produce evidence to substantiate the allegation.

"I challenge Mr. Thomas Mapfumo to produce a single piece of tangible, verifiable evidence proving that I ever misappropriated money from the Peace Tour. If such evidence exists, produce it. If it does not, the allegation must be withdrawn," he said.

He further accused Mapfumo of making another unfounded allegation despite allegedly admitting wrongdoing in the past and promising to issue a public apology.

"That restraint has now been exhausted," Vava declared.

Regarding the latest claims concerning Makore, Vava said he had never participated in any campaign or scheme to sabotage, undermine or interfere with Mapfumo's intellectual property, brand or commercial interests.

"The latest assertions that Kurai Makore's independent career decisions and personal disputes with Mr. Mapfumo are the result of ‘bad influence' from ‘handlers, the likes of Blessing Vava' — are equally false and equally without factual foundation," he said.

"Not one piece of evidence has been produced to support these allegations, not one."

Vava said the attempt to portray him as the person behind Makore's decisions was damaging to his reputation as a scholar, governance researcher and human rights defender.

He also urged those managing Mapfumo's brand to protect the musician's legacy and avoid allowing personal disputes to dominate public discourse.

"Mr. Mapfumo is not an ordinary musician. He is a global music icon whose contribution to Zimbabwean music, culture, and socio-political consciousness is immeasurable," Vava said.

He argued that the continued public exchanges could ultimately damage the Chimurenga music brand, despite generating attention for media organisations and social media platforms.

Vava also criticised the publication for allegedly failing to approach him for comment before publishing the latest allegations.

He said he regarded the journalist involved as a respected arts reporter but maintained that basic journalistic ethics required seeking comment from all parties before publishing potentially damaging claims.

"Had the team contacted me, I would have gladly provided the accurate context to prevent a recurrence of the unverified claims made in 2019," he said.

Vava has now issued a formal demand for a retraction.

He wants Mapfumo and the publication to withdraw the allegations within 48 hours of receiving his notice and publish an unconditional apology with equal prominence to the original claims.

"There will be no ambiguity about my position. There will be no further period of silence. There will be no further assumption that my restraint can be exploited," he said.

Vava said his legal counsel had been instructed to institute proceedings in the High Court of Zimbabwe and pursue available legal remedies, including claims for damages and costs, if the allegations were not withdrawn and corrected.

"I will defend my name, my professional integrity, and my reputation by pursuing every lawful remedy available to me under Zimbabwean law," he said.

"All my legal rights remain strictly and fully reserved."