Tanga wekwa Sando Calls for Medical Aid Scheme for Zimura Members

Veteran musician Tanga wekwa Sando has called on the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) to establish a comprehensive medical aid scheme for its members.

In a letter addressed to Zimura chairperson Albert Nyathi, Sando made it clear that without a proper medical aid plan in place, he does not want his music to be included in the association’s newly introduced US$150 cover licence fee for live bands performing cover songs.

Concerns Over Zimura’s Medical Aid Provisions

Sando criticized Zimura’s current medical aid provisions, describing them as “insensitive” and “a mockery.”

“Zimura, in association with a solid medical aid society or company, should establish a basic medical aid scheme for qualifying and contributing members. This medical care should be flexible enough to reflect what members can add on depending on their wishes and capabilities,” he said.

He also condemned the current policy, where Zimura offers a once-off US$500 payment to artistes above 75 years old in the event of hospitalization.

“The US$500 once-off cash given to a +75-year-old artiste in the case of hospitalisation is insensitive, a mockery, and an insult to me and, I’m sure, to other artistes,” Sando said.

Demand for Control Over Use of His Music

Apart from the medical aid issue, Sando is also unhappy about how his music is being used by other bands without his consent. He insists that written permission must be obtained before any band performs his songs and that venues and event organizers must be informed accordingly.

“The permission to cover Tanga wekwa Sando songs will and shall only be granted upon agreement through an expressly written permit from Tanga wekwa Sando or his assignees,” he stated.

To address this, Sando has directed Zimura to notify specific bands—including Travellers Band, In Total, 911, Jababvu Drive, and others—to stop performing his songs without authorization.

Acknowledging Those Who Cover His Songs

Despite his frustration, Sando expressed gratitude to bands that have performed his music at weddings, corporate events, and festivals.

“I am honoured and very appreciative of those bands which have covered some of my hit songs at events such as roora and weddings, corporate functions, and festivals. After all, copying is the highest form of flattery,” he said.

Zimura’s Role in Music Rights Management

Zimura is responsible for managing music rights in Zimbabwe, ensuring that musicians, composers, and music publishers receive fair compensation for their work. The recent US$150 cover licence fee for live performances of cover songs has been met with criticism from artistes, who view it as unfair.

With Sando’s call for a medical aid scheme and stronger rights protection, the ball is now in Zimura’s court to respond to the growing concerns from its members.