Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
A SPECTACULAR fallout between musicians First Farai and Gift Amuli, which has played out in courts and social media, has added another chapter with the latter being FIRED from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association.
The fallout between the two started when First Farai was accused by Amuli of allegedly stealing money, which was raised for the funeral of the late Cephas Mashakada.
However, even Mashakada’s relatives have dismissed the allegations that First Farai stole the money, which was meant for chema.
First Farai chaired the disciplinary committee which FIRED Amuli from the association in a bloodbath which has also claimed the scalps of two board members.
Joseph Garakara and Dereck Mpofu, who were board members at ZIMURA, have also been fired from the association.
The three have been fired after they were found guilty of violating the association’s governing rules.
Amuli says he has been sacrificed for voicing the concerns of musicians.
Amuli, who has been accusing the royalties collection organisation of embezzling funds and questioning its competence, was found guilty during a board meeting chaired by vice-chairperson First Farai.
Amuli and First Farai have had a spectacular fallout, which resulted in the former being arrested and spending two nights in custody.
The feud ended after the intervention of some key players in the industry, including promoter Patson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, leading to First Farai withdrawing the charges he had filed against Amuli.
Amuli told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he knew he was going to be fired.
“I saw it coming, I was only speaking on behalf of other disgruntled members,” said Amuli.
“Like what I have maintained, I am being sacrificed for simply raising my concerns as a long-serving member of ZIMURA.
“It has always been their tendency to terminate one’s membership if you raise your concerns.
“I am not the only one who has been sacrificed since the likes of Lazzie T and many others have also faced the same for simply asking.”
The Zvishavane Sounds leader said he would challenge the decision through the courts.
“We are going to take the legal route, of course, because this has always been their tendency.
“In a set-up or organisation, members should be allowed to raise their concerns but, in this case, they will always bully you.
“I saw it coming, but we are ready for the courts,” said Amuli.
He added:
“I am okay and living my life to the fullest. When I received the news, I knew the outcome.
“It has always been their modus operandi and, in my case, I am already plotting my next move.”
In a dismissal letter dated June 5, 2026, and signed by First Farai and board chairman Alexio Gwenzi, Amuli was expelled from the association for breaching its constitution and code of conduct.
“I write this letter informing you that with effect from 05 June 2026 your membership with
ZIMURA has been terminated.
“This action is consistent with ZIMURA Rules and Regulations that govern the actions and behaviour of membership.
“It was concluded by the disciplinary committee that was set up by ZIMURA to terminate your membership bascd on the following reasons:
“1, Intentional misrepresentation and dissemination of false or incomplete information.
“2. Unauthorised publication of confidential and private organisational information
through a press conference held on 19 January, 2026, in Harare.
“3. Defamatory statements against the board and management.
4. Incitement, rhetorical conduct, and creation of organisational unrest.
“5. Acting without authority of the association.
“Should you wish to appeal this decision, you may submit a formal written appeal to the ZIMURA Board Chairperson within 14 days from the date of this letter.”
Four months ago, Amuli and First Farai, who had dragged each other to court, announced they had forgiven each other following the intervention of Chipaz.
The reunion came barely 72 hours after their legal disputes began.
Amuli was facing accusations of launching a cyber-attack against First Farai.
He was charged with transmitting false data with the intent to cause harm.
Amuli was alleged to have targeted First Farai through a Facebook post made on January 20, a day after First Farai’s election as ZIMURA vice-chairperson.
Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe informed the court that Amuli used his Facebook account to post defamatory statements aimed at harming First Farai’s reputation.
The post read: “Murume wekuba mari panhamo wozvipa chigaro kuita hushamwari hwembavha.”
