By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
Saturday, February 8th, witnessed a vibrant and dynamic outreach initiative as the Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) successfully hosted its Bulawayo Road Show.
This innovative event, designed to educate and engage local business owners and stakeholders, proved to be a resounding success in promoting music licensing and copyright protection.
The ZICCO team embarked on a mobile outreach campaign, commencing at the iconic Highlanders Club House. From there, the team navigated through the city, making strategic stops at various locations in the Central Business District. The final stop was at the bustling Egodini Rank, where the team engaged with a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Throughout the day, ZICCO's team, led by CEO Tafadzwa Masembura, delivered a series of informative presentations, highlighting the importance of music licensing for businesses. The team educated local business owners on the need to obtain the necessary licenses to play copyrighted music in their establishments, thereby ensuring they are in compliance with copyright laws.
In a gesture of goodwill, ZICCO waived the customary $10 registration fee for artists who signed up on the day, thereby incentivizing participation and fostering a sense of community among local creatives.
ZICCO Southern Region Manager Isabel Mutasa noted that the roadshow was aimed at educating people about issues of copyrights and intellectual property as a whole. "We also aimed to raise awareness among Bulawayo businesses, shop owners, and artists about ZICCO and the services we offer," she added.
Mutasa highlighted the benefits of registering with ZICCO, stating, "Artists who register with us are entitled to a range of benefits, including medical aid, cash royalties, funeral plans, and legal aid. We encourage all artists to take advantage of these benefits and protect their intellectual property rights."
CEO Masembura, in an exclusive interview with the press, articulated the organization's vision and objectives, stating, "Our primary goal is to promote a culture of copyright awareness and compliance, ensuring that businesses and artists alike understand the value and importance of protecting intellectual property rights."
As Zimbabwe continues to navigate the nuances of intellectual property rights, ZICCO's proactive approach is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting creativity, innovation, and economic growth. The success of the Bulawayo Road Show serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to empowering local communities and fostering a culture of copyright awareness.
With plans to replicate this success in other regions, including the Midlands province, ZICCO is steadfast in its resolve to leave an indelible mark on Zimbabwe's intellectual property landscape.
