Tocky vibes encourages arists not to rely on royalties.

Zimdancehall artist Tocky vibes has advised fellow artists not to rely on royalties from ZIMURA. Musicians in Zimbabwe have been crying foul for years over the meagre payments they are receiving as royalty fees.

Most musicians have been relying on shows and private perfomances in order to sustain their livelihoods. The music industry has become unbearable for artists who are not getting rewarded for their blood, sweat and tears.

In an earlier publication in “The Chronicle”, it was alleged that some artists were getting as little as rtgs 3 from ZIMURA. Urban grooves singer Alexio Gwenzi, commonly known as Good child had alluded to the fact that the main reason why artists were getting peanuts was that ZIMURA was eating from the same pot as the artists.

Other artists have also spoken out against the paltry allowances that are being given to the artists. They said that the conduct of governing authorities at ZIMURA is deplorable. They allege that the authorities reward themselves with hefty allowances at the expense of the artists.

Tocky vibes’ advice comes at a time when there is growing tension over the issue of royalties. Musicians are suffering and barely making a living out of their careers. It is quite sad that most of them die paupers. An earlier story by this publication highlighted the plight of former Rhumba sensation Peter Tangwena who is now selling CD’s at Mereki shopping centre. Another artist Terminator hung up his microphone and is now a parking marshall with the City of Harare municipality. Such is the plight of artists in the music industry in Zimbabwe.

Calls have also been made for the current ZIMURA board to be dissolved and young artists to be given a chance to run the organization. The board consists of singers like Albert Nyathi, Charles Charamba and Bob Nyabinde.