Zimbabwean music icon Jah Prayzah has reportedly extended an apology to fellow artist Kurai Makore following controversy over his latest track, Moto, which critics say closely resembles Makore’s 2022 song Kanyarugwe.
The issue was brought to the fore by Dr. Blessing Ivan Vava, regional director at the Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe, who alleged that Moto bore striking similarities to Makore’s original composition. The claims ignited a plagiarism debate within Zimbabwe’s music circles.
Veteran chimurenga musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo revealed that he played a key role in resolving the dispute. “I heard about the issue and decided to step in and put it to rest,” Mapfumo said in an interview.
According to Mapfumo, Jah Prayzah personally reached out to offer an apology. “He called me and apologised. We accepted it and appreciated his maturity. He told me that the beat was given to him by someone else, and he was unaware it had already been used,” Mapfumo explained.
Mapfumo further noted that the disputed beat was originally his. “In fact, the beat is mine. But we have more important things to focus on,” he added, signalling his intent to move past the incident.
