Mapfumo reconciles with nephew Makore

Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo says he has met his nephew and fellow musician Kurai Makore to resolve their public fallout, insisting that he has a responsibility to guide him.

The reconciliation follows months of tension after Mapfumo and his management accused Makore of performing songs from his repertoire during live shows without authorisation, threatening legal action over alleged violations of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act.

The dispute played out publicly, with Mapfumo challenging Makore to develop his own musical identity despite the younger musician's growing following and contribution to keeping Chimurenga music alive.

Speaking in an interview after returning to Zimbabwe earlier this month, following an eight-year absence reportedly linked to security concerns, Mapfumo described Makore as his son and said they had met to iron out their differences.

"He is my son. I am the one who is supposed to guide him; if he does not take the guidance, it is up to him. I am his father. Ndichamuita kuti zvifambe mushe," Mapfumo said.

The feud had drawn criticism from those who viewed the dispute as a breakdown in the relationship between a veteran musician and a younger artist carrying forward the Chimurenga tradition. Mapfumo had previously praised Makore during the early stages of his musical career.

The reconciliation comes as Mapfumo prepares for what has been billed as his final performance in Zimbabwe, scheduled for December at Glamis Arena. His return earlier this month included an appearance at sungura musician Jah Prayzah's wedding.

Known as the Lion of Zimbabwe, Mapfumo has spent many years living in the United States after leaving Zimbabwe, having built a career that included politically charged music and criticism of governments before and after independence.

Beyond music, the veteran artist has also spoken about his wishes for his remains after death, saying he wants to be cremated rather than buried.

"I do not want my body to be feasted on by worms when I die. I want to be cremated. I do not want to be buried in America, that's not my home. My home is in here where there are my roots," he said.

His remarks signal his desire to have his final connection to home remain in Zimbabwe, where his roots and musical legacy were established.