The struggle continues

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU), alongside the broader artistic community, extends its gratitude to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) for its timely and decisive intervention in the ZIMURA $150 tariff dispute. By suspending this punitive fee and fostering dialogue among stakeholders, NACZ has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding artists' rights and nurturing a fair, sustainable creative ecosystem. This directive has provided much-needed relief to musicians, venue owners, and other industry players who were burdened by ZIMURA’s unilateral policies.

However, this dispute is symptomatic of deeper systemic issues within ZIMURA that have persisted over its 42-year history. The organization’s legacy of mismanagement, intimidation, and unethical practices has impoverished artists, eroded trust, and undermined Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. While NACZ’s intervention is a step in the right direction, it is imperative to address the root causes of this crisis and end ZIMURAs impunity and reign of terror.

ZIMURA’s Authoritarian Practices

Threats and Intimidation: ZIMURA has consistently relied on coercive tactics, including legal threats and public notices warning of action against artists and venues, fostering a climate of fear.
Spot Checks: Threats to conduct performance inspections disproportionately impacts grassroots musicians and stifles artistic expression.
Exploitative Policies

Unilateral Fee Increase: The abrupt shift from a $50 annual license fee to a $150 per-event tariff was implemented with no clear mandate from ZIMURA membership, without consultation, and in violation of international best practices that place licensing responsibility on venues rather than individual artists.
Predatory Mindset: ZIMURA’s leadership rhetoric, particularly from Deputy Director Henry Makombe, portrays musicians as ”tenants” - subordinates rather than stakeholders in the creative industry. Hence their disdain and disregard of artists.
Mismanagement of Royalties

Lack of Transparency: For decades, ZIMURA has failed to distribute royalties equitably or transparently, leaving many musicians destitute.
Punitive Measures: Under Director Ms. Chimhini’s leadership, the organization has prioritized punitive actions over service delivery, expelling members who demand accountability while ignoring systemic corruption.
Governance Failures

The ZIMURA board has neglected its fiduciary duty:

Silence During Crisis: The board has failed to address industry concerns or curb management excesses during this dispute.
Financial Opacity: Over four decades of operations, ZIMURA has not conducted audits or accounted for undispersed royalties.
Endorsement of Harmful Policies: By supporting punitive tariffs and authoritarian enforcement tactics, the board has betrayed its mandate as a collective management organization (CMO).

Conflict of Interest: Hope Masike

Hope Masike’s dual roles as NACZ board member and ZIMURA board member have raised serious ethical concerns:

Compromised Neutrality: Her presence on both boards undermines NACZ’s impartiality in mediating disputes with ZIMURA.
Failure to Advocate for Artists: Masike's refusal to recuse herself from ZIMURA’s aggressive actions calls into question her commitment to protecting artists’ welfare.
ZIMU demands that Ms. Masike either resign from ZIMURA to align with artists’ interests or step down from NACZ if she chooses to defend ZIMURA’s despotic policies.

Lack of statutory oversight: In as much as ZIMURA is a CMO and operates under ZIPO there has been no oversight to control its unbridled intimidation of artists, venues and promoters. 

Lack of clarity on ZIMURAs Organisational Status: It needs to be ascertained and published whether ZIMURA is a private company, a member based association, or a private voluntary organization to ensure artists are not being exploited by a bogus entity in the guise of protecting their rights. ZIMURA cannot be all 3. 

Call for Systemic Reform

Call for Systemic Reform

While NACZ’s intervention is commendable, lasting change requires bold action:

Leadership Overhaul: The resignation of ZIMURA’s current board and management for gross incompetence and malpractice.
Independent Audit: A forensic investigation into ZIMURA’s royalty collections and distributions since its inception.
Transparent Governance Framework: Establishing a CMO that operates ethically and adheres to international standards.

ZIMURA’s reckless actions have divided the music industry, disrupted performances, and created widespread fear among artists. Venues are hesitant to host events, while performers face uncertainty about their ability to comply with arbitrary licensing demands. This chaos is entirely avoidable and stems from ZIMURA’s failure to consult its membership other stakeholders

NACZ’s leadership has provided much needed hope for Zimbabwe's artists by challenging exploitative practices. However, the fight for justice is far from over. ZIMU stands united with NACZ in dismantling ZIMURA's culture of fear and rebuilding an arts sector that prioritizes artists' livelihoods over exploitation. Accountability must prevail for Zimbabwe’s creative industry to thrive sustainably.

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#ZIMURAMustFall #ArtistsLivesMatter