Zimura throws In Total Band under the bus

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has clarified that a one-day music licence does not give cover bands unlimited rights to commercially exploit copyrighted works, amid an ongoing dispute involving popular musician Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave and music group In Total.

The clarification has sparked wider debate within Zimbabwe's music industry over the rights of artists and the obligations of performers, promoters and event organisers when using copyrighted music for commercial purposes.

ZIMURA said a US$150 licence receipt circulating on social media related to a specific event and was valid for one day only.

The association stressed that the licence did not constitute blanket or permanent permission to perform, record, reproduce or otherwise commercially exploit Zimbabwean music at future events.

Regarding In Total, ZIMURA said the group did not hold a general licence covering its ongoing commercial performances, tours and events beyond the particular one-day licence.

The association further said it had no record of royalties being remitted specifically to Fungisai from In Total's commercial exploitation of her works.

ZIMURA also revealed that it had not received royalties from the Econbank Legends Night tours.

The copyright body confirmed that Fungisai is one of its members and said it supports her right to protect, control and defend her intellectual property.

According to ZIMURA, commercial exploitation of copyrighted works should not continue where a copyright owner has expressly objected and the required permissions and licences have not been obtained.

The association said Zimbabwean musicians have the right to control their intellectual property, object to unauthorised use, demand proper licensing and accounting, receive applicable royalties and pursue legal remedies where their rights are infringed.

ZIMURA's intervention is expected to prompt musicians, cover bands, promoters and event organisers to reassess how they obtain and use copyrighted music, particularly as live performances and commercial entertainment continue to expand.

The association's position effectively draws a distinction between obtaining permission for a specific event and securing ongoing rights to commercially exploit an artist's work.

Its message is clear: a one-day US$150 licence does not amount to indefinite permission to commercially exploit an artist's music.

The latest clarification has consequently shifted the discussion beyond the Fungisai-In Total dispute, highlighting the broader need for greater awareness of copyright obligations across Zimbabwe's entertainment industry.