Government dissolves ZIMURA Board

The Government has dissolved the entire board of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) with immediate effect, following mounting pressure from musicians over alleged financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and governance failures within the royalties body.

The decision, announced on April 9, comes after months of protests, petitions, and public complaints from artists who accused the organisation of failing to properly account for royalties collected from radio play, live performances, and digital streaming platforms.

Authorities cited serious concerns including weak fiduciary controls, questionable board legitimacy, and actions allegedly inconsistent with ZIMURA's mandate. All board members have been instructed to cease operations immediately and hand over all documents within seven days to an interim administrator who will oversee the organisation during investigations.

The intervention follows sustained agitation from musicians who have demanded a full audit of ZIMURA's finances and a restructuring of its leadership. Some artists staged demonstrations and ran social media campaigns calling for accountability and improved royalty distribution.

Musicians argued that despite widespread use of their work across media platforms, payments remained delayed, inconsistent, or unclear.

Among those welcoming the decision was musician Gift Amuli, who said the dissolution validated long-standing concerns raised by artists.

"For years we raised concerns and some of us were victimised for speaking out," Amuli said. "Today justice has finally caught up."

He added that the move offers hope for improved transparency and fairer distribution of royalties in the creative sector.

The Government said the appointment of an interim administrator is intended to stabilise operations, restore confidence, and pave the way for reforms aimed at rebuilding ZIMURA into a credible and accountable institution serving musicians and rights holders.

Industry observers say the development could mark a turning point in the governance of Zimbabwe's music industry, particularly if it leads to stronger financial oversight and improved systems for tracking and distributing royalties.

The dissolved board included chairperson Alexio "Goodchild" Gwenzi, vice chairperson First Farai Batani, treasurer Evelyn Natsai Moyo, and directors including Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti, Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara, Gift Amuli, and Chiedza Shoniwa.

As investigations continue, the music industry awaits clarity on reforms that could reshape how artists are compensated and how the organisation is managed going forward.