NACZ Partners with DNM Attorneys to Protect and Empower Zimbabwean Artists
In a groundbreaking move aimed at promoting the welfare of local creatives, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DNM Attorneys. The agreement, sealed at a briefing held at the NACZ head office, marks a significant step towards safeguarding the intellectual property (IP) rights of Zimbabwean artists.
The partnership is designed to empower artists by ensuring that their work is not only celebrated, but also legally protected and monetised. As part of the agreement, DNM Attorneys, represented by co-founder and senior partner Moses Nkomo, will provide pro bono legal services to artists — offering much-needed support in areas such as copyright, trademarks, and contract negotiations.
“Artists are the lifeblood of our culture and economy, yet many struggle with exploitation, piracy and the lack of legal recourse,” said NACZ Director Napoleon Nyanhi. “This MoU represents a bold step forward in addressing these challenges and giving artists the protection they deserve.”
Nyanhi emphasized that artists often fall victim to unfair contracts and rampant piracy, which undermines their livelihoods and the authenticity of Zimbabwean art. “Intellectual property issues are central to the preservation of our culture,” he noted. “Protecting IP ensures that our music, stories, films, books, and visual artworks remain authentic and profitable for their creators.”
He further highlighted the importance of creating a secure legal environment that attracts investment and fosters professional growth within the arts sector. “To our artists: your work has value. Protect it. Register with institutions that protect IP and always seek legal advice before signing contracts,” Nyanhi advised.
Moses Nkomo, representing DNM Attorneys, said the firm is committed to transforming Zimbabwe’s arts sector into a vibrant and economically significant industry. “We aim to support artists through capacity building, legal assistance, and policy and legislative advocacy. Intellectual property rights are private rights, and artists need to be educated on how the law can work in their favour,” he stated.
He added that artists should take ownership of legal reforms and become active participants in shaping a framework that defends and promotes their rights.
The partnership between NACZ and DNM Attorneys is being hailed as a major win for the local arts industry. It opens the door for Zimbabwean artists to assert their rights, gain fair compensation for their work, and build sustainable careers in the creative economy.
