BY MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has intervened to suspend the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association’s (ZIMURA) controversial decision to impose a $150 per event tariff on bands performing at local venues. This move follows widespread backlash from venue owners and musicians after the announcement caused panic and a wave of cancellations.
The issue first came to light in early March, when a letter from ZIMURA, dated February 25, 2025, circulated on social media. The letter instructed venues to ensure that bands performing at their establishments had a valid ZIMURA license, now set at $150 per event. Previously, the cost for a license was only $50 per year, which led many to question the sudden and drastic increase in fees.
As the news spread, venue owners raised concerns that the new tariffs would place an unbearable financial burden on them, with many bands losing bookings as venues rushed to comply with the new regulation. The NACZ received numerous complaints from its members, prompting a meeting on March 21, 2025, with ZIMURA, copyright holders, and other stakeholders. The discussions revealed significant contention over the tariff system, particularly the shift from an annual fee to a per-event charge, which was seen as punitive by many in the industry.
Another concern raised during the meeting was the plight of copyright holders, especially the widows and children of Zimbabwe's musical legends. They expressed frustration that cover bands were profiting from the intellectual property of deceased artists without compensating their families. The NACZ stressed the importance of compensating rights holders fairly for the use of their music, while also ensuring that the sector’s growth is not hindered by unsustainable fees.
On March 27, 2025, NACZ held a follow-up meeting with copyright holders, who strongly urged the organization and ZIMURA to work together to find a solution that adequately protects their rights. The meeting concluded with an agreement that the $150 tariff should be considered the entry-level fee, with higher charges applied for larger events and concerts.
As a result of these consultations, the NACZ issued a directive suspending ZIMURA’s tariff immediately. The suspension will remain in place until ZIMURA regularizes its registration with the NACZ and a broader consultation process is concluded. The NACZ also emphasized the importance of resolving the issue through dialogue and finding a balanced solution that respects both copyright holders' rights and the viability of the local music scene.
"The NACZ is committed to fostering a healthy and sustainable arts ecosystem in Zimbabwe," said Napoleon Nyanhi, Executive Director of NACZ. "While we fully support the protection of intellectual property, we also want to ensure that our local music industry continues to thrive. We urge all parties to engage in constructive dialogue as we work toward a solution."
The NACZ has called for patience and restraint on social media and other platforms as discussions continue. They are planning a wider consultative meeting in the near future to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are heard and that a fair and sustainable approach is agreed upon.
The suspension of the $150 tariff marks a significant step toward resolving the ongoing dispute, with hopes that all parties can come to a solution that benefits the artists, copyright holders, and the wider arts community in Zimbabwe.
