Zimura dismisses rift rumours with NACZ

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) has dismissed circulating social media claims of a dispute with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), insisting that their relationship remains strong and collaborative.

The rumours, which centred on a US$150 licence fee for cover bands, had sparked debate within the music industry and raised concerns about governance in the country's arts sector.

Addressing the allegations, Zimura's Director for Information, Media and Publicity, Alexio "Goodchild" Gwenzi, said the reports were exaggerated and stemmed from a misunderstanding of the distinct roles of the two organisations.

"The National Arts Council protects all arts practitioners, while Zimura focuses on composers and songwriters - the owners of music intellectual property," Gwenzi explained.
"That difference in roles may look like we're on opposite sides, but in reality, our relationship with NACZ is solid."

Gwenzi criticised social media bloggers for spreading false narratives for personal gain, accusing them of sensationalising stories to attract views.

"Some of these so-called online journalists are spreading lies just to get attention and views. The pen is powerful - it can build or destroy. Their days of misleading the public are numbered," he said.

He highlighted ongoing collaboration between Zimura, NACZ, and the Collective Intellectual Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ), under the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry. Gwenzi praised NACZ's new director, Napoleon Nyanhi, for convening a roundtable discussion to clarify the misunderstanding.

Zimura's board and management also recently met with CIPZ to provide updates on operations and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.

"Everything we do is to make sure that both music creators and users benefit fairly," Gwenzi said.
"Zimura is not against anyone - we are working to make the industry better for everyone."

With tensions now quelled, Zimura reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration, transparency, and the protection of Zimbabwean musicians' rights.