Zimura board delays key appointments

The newly elected board of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) - ushered in on promises of transparency, accountability and improved royalty management - has stirred early frustration among musicians after delaying the announcement of its new chairperson.

What many hoped would mark a fresh, reform-driven era for the collective management organisation has instead fuelled anxiety. Artistes say the board's slow pace and muted communication contradict the commitments it made during the election campaign, where candidates pledged openness, regular engagement and meaningful reforms to royalty distribution.

Musicians now fear the board is losing momentum.

"We expected to find glory in the effort we made as musicians, but what follows are regrets because no change has been seen," said Chiundura-based musician Nesbert Ushe, who described the unfolding situation as a familiar cycle in Zimura's leadership transitions.

Several other artistes expressed similar concerns, saying that communication from the board has been largely unresponsive, while priorities appear to be shifting away from the urgent issues that musicians raised before the election.

A group of Gweru musicians, who asked not to be named, urged the board to re-engage stakeholders quickly.

"It's important that the board quickly reconnects with musicians if they are to retain the goodwill they gained during the campaign. Musicians are desperate for positive change. At this moment, any small delay feels like a major setback. The board must communicate clearly and show progress before disappointment sets in fully," the group said.

Artistes are now calling for an immediate public update - including a 90-day action plan, timelines for reforms and a schedule of stakeholder meetings - to restore confidence and curb growing unease.

The board recently underwent orientation with Vertical Momentum, and Zimura played a central role as Zimbabwe hosted the annual regional meeting of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) Africa Committee (CAF) from 11–13 November in Harare.

A Zimura official, speaking anonymously, said the chairperson and deputy will be announced once outstanding internal processes are completed.

"We expect the announcement to be made at the next board meeting, whose date is yet to be set," the official said.

The delay comes shortly after the appointment of Chiedza Shoniwa as legal advisor and Evelyn Natsai Moyo as treasurer - additions expected to strengthen a board previously criticised for being overly patriarchal. Their inclusion brings the board to seven members.

With musicians increasingly vocal about the need for reform and stronger governance, Zimura faces growing pressure to act swiftly. The organisation's next steps, particularly the announcement of its leadership, will determine whether the new board can rebuild trust and deliver the transparency it promised.