ZIMU CELEBRATES MINISTRY'S HALT TO ZIMURA'S ILLEGAL TARIFFS, EXTENDS GRATITUDE TO SUPPORTERS, AND DEMANDS FULL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR DECADES OF ABUSE

The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) commends the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for its decisive action in immediately suspending ZIMURA's unlawful $150 license fee and attempted 30% sponsorship levy. This predatory scheme by ZIMURA has inflicted significant damage on our industry, and this intervention is a crucial step toward dismantling ZIMURA's 43 years of destructive practices.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), fellow artists, supporting organizations, media outlets, and the public for standing with us in this fight against a tyrannical organization. This victory is just the beginning.

The Devastation Caused by ZIMURA's Illegal Fees:

For too long, ZIMURA has functioned as an exploitative entity rather than a collective management organization. Their recent extortionate measures have:

• Crippled live performances as venues decline to book artists unable to meet illegal fee demands.
• Devastated the livelihoods of countless musicians.
• Incited division and fear within the music community.
• Repelled sponsors with exorbitant financial requests.
• Misused law enforcement to harass and intimidate performing artists

ZIMURA's Leadership Must Face Justice:

The current ZIMURA board has utterly failed its fiduciary responsibilities, allowing executives to:

• Operate as a mafia, extorting funds from struggling artists.
• Disregard the National Arts Council and widespread public condemnation.
• Cultivate a climate of fear, silencing artists.
• Line their pockets while musicians struggle to survive.

Our Unwavering Demands:

1. Immediate removal of the current ZIMURA board for gross negligence.
2. Comprehensive forensic audit of all ZIMURA finances since 2010.
3. Firing of the current ZIMURA management led by Polisile Ncube Chimhini and Henry "The Landlord" Makombe, for gross incompetence.
4. Establishment of a transparent, artist-led collective management organization.
   This is a fight to eradicate a system designed to exploit artists.
5. Resignation of Hope Masike from the National Arts Council Board for her dereliction of duty by associating with a tainted entity working against national interests and the welfare of artists. 

We urge all musicians and the nation to unite as we:

• Demand a full accounting of every stolen dollar.
• Fight for a fair system that genuinely protects artists' rights.
• Rebuild our industry on a foundation of integrity and justice.

The revolution in Zimbabwean music is now!

#EndZIMURATerror #JusticeForArtists #NewEraForMusic

CC:

Minister of Justice, Legal & Parliamentary Affairs
Commissioner General of Police
Executive Director, National Arts Council
All Media Houses