- The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) expressed confidence in overcoming ongoing disputes within the collective management sector.
- Zimura intensified its engagement with the government to safeguard artists’ interests and contribute to a music industry roadmap.
- The organization clarified a recent Supreme Court ruling involving the Zimbabwe Council of Copyright Owners (Zicco), refuting claims of Zicco’s victory.
- The Supreme Court referred the case back to the High Court for the correction of a technical issue related to the original order.
Zimura’s statement on March 5 aimed to correct what it termed a misrepresentation by Zicco regarding the outcome of their Supreme Court appeal. The dispute originated from a High Court matter where Zimura sought a declaratory order to confirm Zicco’s lack of authority to license Zimura’s repertoire or music from its international affiliates.
Initially, the High Court issued an interdict preventing Zicco from licensing copyrighted music, rather than granting the specific declaratory relief Zimura sought. Zimura subsequently filed a cross-appeal to rectify this technical error in the order.
The Supreme Court’s decision to refer the matter back to the High Court is crucial for ensuring the appropriate declaratory order is issued, underscoring Zimura’s commitment to upholding artists’ rights and proper licensing procedures within Zimbabwe’s music industry.
Timeline
- **March 5, 2026:** Zimura releases a statement clarifying the Supreme Court ruling, refuting Zicco’s claims of victory.
- **March 8, 2026:** The Standard reports on Zimura’s ongoing engagements with the government and details of the Supreme Court ruling.
Key Players
- **Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura):** Copyright collective representing Zimbabwean artists.
- **Zimbabwe Council of Copyright Owners (Zicco):** Organization involved in a licensing dispute with Zimura.
- **Supreme Court of Zimbabwe:** Issued a recent ruling referring the case back to the High Court.
- **High Court of Zimbabwe:** Original court where the dispute was heard.
- **Government of Zimbabwe:** Engaged by Zimura regarding a music industry roadmap.
