The newly elected Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) board faces a defining moment as it takes charge of a collective management organisation long criticised for inefficiency and lack of transparency.
Musicians and composers across the country are watching closely, expecting the board to introduce sustainable reforms that can transform Zimura into a viable institution — one that protects artists’ rights and improves their livelihoods.
Zimura operates under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, working closely with the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office, its mandate includes copyright protection, licensing of music use, royalty collection and distribution, and copyright education.
However, in recent years, the organisation has been dogged by accusations of mismanagement and poor royalty payouts, with some members alleging that top management awarded itself hefty salaries and allowances while artists received “meagre crumbs” from their creative work.
The new Zimura board — comprising Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi, Dereck Mpofu, First Farai, Gift Amuli, Joseph Garakara, and Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti — was elected during the organisation’s annual general meeting held last Wednesday in Harare.
They were voted in on the promise of ushering in a new era of accountability, fairness, and respect for copyright holders.
From Midlands province, musicians expressed hope that their representatives will deliver on their pledges and push for real industry growth.
“The music industry is surviving out of charity,” said Gweru-based gospel musician Emmanuel Mukoroverwa.
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“Many artists have resorted to vending or illegal gold dealing just to survive. At the end of the year, we earn a wooden spoon. We want that to end — music should feed its own.”
Another gospel musician, Yeukai Mangwaza, echoed similar sentiments.
“Musicians are very expectant,” she said. “Reliable administration should reflect in our earnings. We believe the creative sector can drive economic transformation — but if the board fails to position us, we’ll continue to struggle.”
From Kwekwe, Robson Apollos Ranjeni commended the inclusion of Midlands representatives on the national board.
“It’s encouraging to see our province represented at this level,” he said. “We believe this is a sign that the industry is growing and that our leaders will deliver tangible results.”
Newly elected board member Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi — who previously served as Zimura’s director of information, media and publicity — said he intends to continue the reforms he helped initiate over the past three years.
“As I begin this new term, my plan is to continue strengthening Zimura’s systems to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and fairness in how we serve our members,” said Gwenzi.
“We want to build on the progress we made while addressing areas that need improvement, particularly in royalty collection, distribution, and communication with artists.”
Gwenzi pledged to remain accountable to his home province.
“I’m deeply grateful for the trust shown to me in the Midlands,” he said. “I’ll work closely with our members through engagement meetings, capacity-building workshops, and ensuring that Midlands artists have equal access to opportunities and information.”
He urged musicians to unite and demand better remuneration for their creative labour.
“As musicians, we should speak with one voice: ‘No more next-to-nothing payouts.’ Our music deserves real money, real respect, and real impact,” he declared.
Gwenzi admitted that the current royalty disbursements fall short of reflecting the true value of artists’ work but said the new board is already exploring practical solutions.
“We share the frustration many members feel,” he said.
“We’re working on strategies to change that — by intensifying licensing efforts, improving digital monitoring and reporting, and negotiating stronger agreements with broadcasters and online platforms.”
The ultimate goal, Gwenzi emphasised, is to ensure fair compensation for every play, every performance, and every stream.
The Midlands province enjoys strong representation on the new board, with Gwenzi from Kwekwe and fellow member Gift Amuli from Gweru — both seasoned musicians who understand the challenges faced by creatives outside Harare.
Artists in the region hope this dual representation will help bridge the gap between policy and grassroots realities.
“This is our time to rebuild trust and make music a profession that pays,” said Gwenzi.
“Zimura must be known not just for collecting royalties, but for protecting and empowering Zimbabwean creators.”
