- The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) is facing accusations of significant discrepancies in royalty payments to artists.
- An explosive meeting was held on January 26, 2026, at the Zimbabwe College of Music, revealing internal divisions among board members.
- Reports indicate a major gap between the US$1.6 million collected in 2024 and the actual amounts reaching musicians.
- Three board members, Gift Amuli, Dereck Mpofu, and Joseph Garakara, were reportedly dismissed by the board chaired by Alexio Gwenzi, sparking further controversy.
Zimbabwe’s music industry is demanding transparency from Zimura following revelations of opaque financial practices and alleged underpayment of artists’ royalties. The controversy has ignited public exchanges and deep divisions within the association’s leadership. Many artists claim to receive minimal or no payouts despite extensive airplay and online streams, while top earners reportedly receive several thousand dollars annually. The financial inconsistencies presented at Zimura’s 2025 Annual General Meeting have amplified calls for accountability and fairer distribution of earnings.
Musicians have expressed growing frustration over the perceived lack of transparency, with some advocating for an extraordinary general meeting to address alleged misconduct by current board members. The dispute highlights long-standing concerns within the industry regarding intellectual property rights and the equitable compensation of creators. The ongoing saga casts a shadow over the body meant to protect musicians’ interests.
Timeline
- **February 1, 2026:** NewsDay Zimbabwe and ZiGoats publish reports detailing the ongoing Zimura royalty scandal and internal conflicts.
- **January 26, 2026:** An ‘explosive’ meeting of musicians and stakeholders takes place at the Zimbabwe College of Music to discuss Zimura’s issues.
- **January 21, 2026:** Zimura board announces the dismissal of three board members (Mpofu, Garakara, Amuli) for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties.
- **January 20, 2026:** Zimura board announces the appointment of Alexio Gwenzi as chairperson and Farai Batani as vice-chairperson.
Key Players
- **Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura):** The central organization embroiled in the royalty distribution controversy.
- **Gift Amuli:** Sungura artist and a board member involved in the conflict, reportedly appointed as chairperson by a dissenting group.
- **Dereck Mpofu:** Musician and Zimura board member, accused of convening an unauthorized press conference.
- **Joseph Garakara:** Artist and Zimura board member, also part of the group dismissed by the main board.
- **Alexio Gwenzi:** Zimura board chairperson, whose leadership has faced challenges amidst the internal strife.
- **Chief Hwenje:** Established musician who publicly claimed receiving only US$80 in royalties despite widespread airplay.
