Macheso laments 'embarrassing' turmoil at Zimura

Sungura legend Alick Macheso says his "heart bleeds" for local musicians amid deepening turmoil at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura), accusing the association's leadership of failing to uphold transparency and accountability.

Registered in 1982 as a collective management organisation, Zimura is mandated to protect, license and manage copyrights for composers, authors and publishers. However, the current board and management stand accused of abandoning their core mandate as internal divisions widen.

Reports indicate a growing rift between the board and the secretariat, with allegations that management has been "bullying" the board. Some board members are now pushing for an extraordinary general meeting to address longstanding grievances.

At the centre of the unrest was a public notice issued on January 12 concerning the alleged illegal sale of two flats in Avondale, Harare. Although the transaction was initially pushed through, it was later cancelled following public outrage over alleged irregularities.

Despite the reversal, the incident has left a lasting stain on the association's reputation and precipitated a leadership crisis.

Tensions have been further inflamed by the election of First Farai Batani as vice chairperson, a position reportedly coveted by fellow board member Gift Amuli.

Macheso, despite being one of Zimura's top earners, says he remains unconvinced by the association's royalty distribution model.

In September 2024, Zimura distributed US$95 000 in royalties to more than 3 500 members. While top earners reportedly received over US$2 000 based on airplay from stations such as Star FM and Diamond FM, some artistes are said to have received as little as US$3.

The disparities have triggered outrage across the industry.

Sungura musician Romeo Gasa questioned why he received just US$41 for an album that earned US$700 in the ZBC Top 50 competition.

Producer and songwriter Charles Ayibeki, who writes for Sekuru Gudo, said he was paid only US$5,60 for his hit song "Weru".

"Initially, when I called, I was told there were no royalties collected for my songs. After several follow-ups, they admitted there was a payout, but it was only US$5,60," Ayibeki said, describing the experience as opaque and frustrating.

He further alleged that officials classified his song as a "folk song" to justify the low figure, while declining to disclose total collections before deductions.

Macheso did not mince his words.

"The chaos at Zimura exists for a reason. Musicians do not make noise without cause," he said. "This association does not belong to those in power — it belongs to every member."

He expressed frustration that some artistes travel long distances to collect royalties that barely cover transport costs.

"An artiste is invited from as far as Bulawayo to collect royalties that do not even cover their bus fare. We do not know the criteria used and we are told certain songs are no longer considered for royalties — how is that possible?"

Macheso revealed he is reconsidering his decades-long membership.

"Zimura exists because of us artistes, but what is happening now is not what we signed up for. I am considering cancelling my membership. The association is staggering towards its death; it is going to the cemetery."

Zimura's six-member board — Alexio Gwenzi, First Farai Batani, Dingumuzi Phuti, Dereck Mpofu, Gift Amuli and Joseph Garakara — is reportedly divided.

Former executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini stepped down last month after 30 years in the role, following a June 2025 fraud conviction. Her departure has reportedly created a power vacuum rather than resolving tensions.

Further allegations of governance failures have compounded the crisis, with claims that audited financial statements did not fully comply with Zimura's Articles of Association.

Macheso also criticised the association's conduct during the funeral of the late Madzibaba Nicholas Zacharia, alleging that Zimura falsely claimed to have provided buses for mourners.

"Trust has been lost because office-bearers are being accused of theft of public funds, even during funerals," he said.

Acting deputy director Henry Makombe dismissed claims of bullying and lack of transparency in a recent interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.

"Transparency is achieved by answering questions," Makombe said, defending management's decision to issue public notices on matters such as the Avondale flats.

Vice chairperson First Farai Batani also defended the royalty system in a video posted online.

"There is a functional system in place. It is unfortunate that some musicians demand more when their music is simply not being played," he said.

As tensions simmer, the unfolding crisis has shaken confidence within Zimbabwe's music industry, with veteran artistes like Macheso warning that urgent reforms are needed to restore trust in the association meant to safeguard their livelihoods.