Zimura Refutes Rift Rumours with NACZ, Reaffirms Strong Partnership

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) has dismissed rumours of a rift with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), stating that their partnership remains strong and cooperative. The clarification follows widespread social media claims alleging a dispute over a US$150 licence fee for cover bands.

The online story quickly gained traction, fueling debate across the music industry and raising questions about the management of Zimbabwe’s arts sector.

Zimura’s director for information, media, and publicity, Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi, addressed the issue in an interview with journalist Oscar Pambuka. He explained that the reports were exaggerated and stemmed from a misunderstanding of the two organisations’ distinct roles.

“People need to understand that the National Arts Council protects all arts practitioners, while Zimura focuses on composers and songwriters, the owners of music intellectual property,” Gwenzi said. “That difference in roles may look like we’re on opposite sides, but in reality, our relationship with NACZ is solid.”

Gwenzi also criticised some social media bloggers for spreading false information to attract attention and revenue. “Some of these so-called online journalists are spreading lies just to get attention and views,” he said. “They are paid by Facebook and YouTube to create sensational stories at the expense of the industry. The pen is powerful, it can build or destroy. Their days of misleading the public are numbered.”

He reaffirmed Zimura’s continued cooperation with both NACZ and its regulator, Collective Intellectual Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ), which operates under the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

“Our relationship with NACZ and CIPZ is fantastic,” Gwenzi said. “I appreciate how the new NACZ director, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi, brought stakeholders together for a roundtable discussion when the confusion began. That’s true leadership. NACZ is like a parent in the arts sector.”

Gwenzi revealed that he and Zimura board chair Albert Nyathi held a productive meeting with NACZ board chairperson Nozipho Maraire. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in advancing the interests of Zimbabwean artistes.

Recently, Zimura’s board and management also met with CIPZ to review the organisation’s operations and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Gwenzi said the meeting strengthened Zimura’s alignment with its statutory obligations and internal processes.

Having served as Zimura’s media and publicity director under the outgoing board, Gwenzi reiterated the organisation’s dedication to transparency and fairness in protecting artistes’ rights.

“Everything we do is to make sure that both music creators and users benefit fairly,” he said. “Zimura is not against anyone. We are working to make the industry better for everyone.”

Zimura’s message is clear: the association remains committed to unity and collaboration across the arts sector, reinforcing its role in safeguarding the rights of Zimbabwean musicians while strengthening relationships with key institutions like NACZ and CIPZ.