The government stepped in to stop Zimura from charging bands $150 just to play songs written by others. Musicians across Zimbabwe breathed easier after this decision came through last week. The arts council first told Zimura to cancel this fee, but Zimura refused at first. They wanted cover bands to pay this money every time they performed someone else's music. Artists, music groups, and experts all fought against what they saw as an unfair money grab.
Many people worried these high costs would hurt live shows, make life harder for musicians, and slow down growth in the music world. On April 4, government officials sent a letter telling Zimura they must halt these charges right away. The letter pointed out that nobody had approved any fees for 2025 yet. It also mentioned how Zimura wanted 30 percent of sponsorship money from businesses backing music events—something never done before. The ministry used its legal power to freeze these fees until it could talk with everyone involved.
Zimura had earlier sent demands to Ecobank asking for nearly a third of their sponsorship budget just for music rights. When the government stepped in, musicians celebrated the decision. The head of Zimbabwe Musicians Union called Zimura's actions harmful to everyone working in music. She thanked the ministry, arts council, fellow artists, and supporters who stood against the fees. She claimed Zimura had caused damage to the industry for over four decades.
Music expert Plot Mhako praised the move, saying Zimura had acted like they were above the law. He believes clear rules protect event planners and keep the industry fair. Florence Nyamazana, who runs a traditional music group, felt relieved because she thought the fee would crush artistic progress. The musicians' union wants even bigger changes—they demand that the current Zimura board should lose their jobs. They want money investigations going back to 2010 and new leaders who truly represent artists.
They accuse the current team of running Zimura like criminals and taking money from struggling performers. The union wants a completely new organization that artists themselves would lead and control. When reporters asked Zimura boss Polisile Ncube-Chimhini about all this, she only said board members were talking about what to do next. The conflict shows deep problems between those who make music and those who collect money from it.
Many people worried these high costs would hurt live shows, make life harder for musicians, and slow down growth in the music world. On April 4, government officials sent a letter telling Zimura they must halt these charges right away. The letter pointed out that nobody had approved any fees for 2025 yet. It also mentioned how Zimura wanted 30 percent of sponsorship money from businesses backing music events—something never done before. The ministry used its legal power to freeze these fees until it could talk with everyone involved.
Zimura had earlier sent demands to Ecobank asking for nearly a third of their sponsorship budget just for music rights. When the government stepped in, musicians celebrated the decision. The head of Zimbabwe Musicians Union called Zimura's actions harmful to everyone working in music. She thanked the ministry, arts council, fellow artists, and supporters who stood against the fees. She claimed Zimura had caused damage to the industry for over four decades.
Music expert Plot Mhako praised the move, saying Zimura had acted like they were above the law. He believes clear rules protect event planners and keep the industry fair. Florence Nyamazana, who runs a traditional music group, felt relieved because she thought the fee would crush artistic progress. The musicians' union wants even bigger changes—they demand that the current Zimura board should lose their jobs. They want money investigations going back to 2010 and new leaders who truly represent artists.
They accuse the current team of running Zimura like criminals and taking money from struggling performers. The union wants a completely new organization that artists themselves would lead and control. When reporters asked Zimura boss Polisile Ncube-Chimhini about all this, she only said board members were talking about what to do next. The conflict shows deep problems between those who make music and those who collect money from it.
