ZIMURA IS CRIMINALISING PLAYING COVERS

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), in a recent ruling, has implemented a tariff of $150 per band per gig to perform cover songs in public This regulation is unquestionably harmful to the music community, as it imposes an undue financial burden on musicians, many of whom rely heavily on performing cover songs at gigs to sustain themselves and their art. The directive criminalises the playing of covers as most bands cannot possibly afford the $150 since most of them earn that same amount per gig. 

Cover music has always been a vital part of our cultural landscape, providing musicians with a platform to showcase their talent while paying homage to the artists they admire. Cover music is legal in Zimbabwe and the world over and is in fact an honest and noble profession. However, ZIMURA's heartless new tariff threatens this important aspect of the music industry, potentially stifling creativity and the development of upcoming talent.

"ZIMURA’s $150 cover license fee is criminalizing musicians and killing Zimbabwean music. Join us in fighting this unjust policy!

Here’s why this fee is devastating:

• It is double-dipping: ZIMURA already charges performance venues and promoters blanket licenses for the performance of copyright music. By demanding that artists also pay a license as well ZIMURA is charging twice for the same performance! 
• It’s exploitative: Most bands earn less than $150 per gig. Paying this fee means losing money just to perform.
• It’s silencing music: Venues and promoters are canceling gigs to avoid fines, leaving artists without income. This has left thousands of artists and their families in financial distress
• It’s criminalizing creativity: Cover music is a vital part of our cultural heritage, allowing musicians to showcase their talent and pay homage to the artists they admire.
• Lack of transparency: In the past ZIMURA has been dogged by concerns about its distribution of collected funds. They need to be accountable for the fees already being collected!

This fee is not just a financial burden—it’s a threat to Zimbabwe’s cultural identity. Music is the soul of our nation, and artists are its guardians. We cannot let ZIMURA destroy what makes us who we are.

We demand:

1. Immediate scrapping of the $150 cover license fee.
2. A public apology from ZIMURA for the chaos and suffering caused.
3. A forensic audit of ZIMURA’s finances to ensure transparency.
4. Resignation of those responsible for this cruel policy.

Join us in standing up for Zimbabwean artists!

By signing this petition, you are sending a clear message to ZIMURA: Artists’ rights are human rights.

Together, we can protect our music, our culture, and our future.

Sign now and share widely. Let’s make our voices heard!"

 
Please share this petition on social media using #StopZIMURA and #NoTo150Fee.
Spread the word to friends, family, and fellow music lovers.
Every signature counts. Together, we can win this fight for justice and fairness!"