Makore: Chimurenga prince with the mojo
Trust Khosa
AT 36, rising Chimurenga musician Kurai Makore still has a lot in his tank.
A talented choreographer, prolific composer and engaging performer who struts his stuff effortlessly on stage, the crooner hardly disappoints behind the microphone.
Backed by the superb Black Lions Band, Makore’s job appears simple on stage as they complement each other.
His confidence levels are way beyond his age and experience.
Makore announced his arrival on the music landscape in 2020 after he launched his debut album “Gara Unzwe”.
He took a huge gamble by unveiling his debut album at the height of Covid-19 induced lockdown.
He defied the lockdown by marking his arrival during the period which left many of his peers in the musical cemetery.
With less than a decade in the mainstream music industry, Makore has silenced all the doubting Thomases with his talent.
As he marks his ascendancy to acclaim, Makore continues to win the hearts of new fans with each passing day.
Everything he touches turns to gold. His music is angelic to the heart. The lyrical depth he has shown is superb.
To say he is talented is an understatement. Maybe magical or phenomenal are the right words.
After being “anointed” by his uncle Thomas Mapfumo as the next Chimurenga heir, Makore is not taking the honour lightly.
He fully utilised his belated birthday bash recently held in Harare to convince old and new Chimurenga fans that the genre is in safe hands.
Exuding confidence as ever, Makore was a beast on stage from start to finish.
He commandeered the Black Lions crew with aplomb.
Clad in black and blood costumes while shaking his ropey dreadlocks, he reminded many of the youthful Mukanya who used to light up halls before settling overseas.
Makore is no doubt Mukanya’s incarnate.
The youngster’s advantage is that he has the mojo to entertain big crowds.
Makore’s birthday bash reminded many that great performers still exist.
Unlike most of his peers who don’t invest in live shows, Makore showed us how it is done. The vocal clarity of his backing vocalists was quite amazing.
His instrumentalists also made his job easier through their coordination.
You could hear every instrument from congas to mbiras, guitars, keyboards and even hand rattles (hosho), a clear sign Makore values his performances.
To be precise, Makore treats every performance as if it’s his last on earth.
His energy levels, stage communication and personal interaction with fans, made his act enjoyable.
He had the guts to play his latest single “Tombie”, leaving fans in a frenzy.
From the love he received, Makore has every reason to walk with the spring in his step.
However, he still needs to remain grounded.
He also spiced up his act with Mukanya’s all-time classics on the night fellow musicians showed him love.
Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora, Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, Sasha Amadhuve, Cello Culture, Mannex Motsi and rhumba outfit Bana Ngwasuma were some of the artistes who graced the event.
The only fear is that he might end up losing the plot if he doesn’t handle fame.
Despite all the hype, he still insists that Mukanya’s shoes are too big to fill.
Makore, who leads a 14-piece band, believes authenticity and originality will take him places.
Outlining his vision, Makore said he was eyeing the international market.
“My dream is to establish my brand and also make an international breakthrough that many of us are yearning for.
“I am working very hard to ensure that I achieve my dreams as a musician.
“I believe there is only one Kurai Makore who is set to make an impression in music,” he said.
Born and raised in Highfield, Harare, Makore gets inspiration from his rural home of Guruve.
A Village head under Chief Chipuriro’s area of jurisdiction, Makore is a regular visitor to his rural home where he constantly gets wisdom from elders.
His only focus should be solely on making new music.
To date, he has recorded two albums to his credit namely “Garaunzwe” recorded in 2020 and “Ngoma Kurira” in 2022.
He has also released several singles in between.
His latest single titled “Thombi” is also doing well on the charts.
Touted as the Chimurenga heir apparent, Makore has vowed to remain humble and dedicated to his work.
“I am not chasing instant fame although many people are now convinced that the Chimurenga legacy is in safe hands under my care.
“I am determined to continue learning the ropes and keep on improving.
“Rome was not built overnight and it believes in hard work.”
With Mukanya contemplating quitting music, Makore looks set to keep the family legacy going as his direct replacement.
Without fear or favour, 2024 is no doubt Kurai Makore’s year!
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