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Arts Reporter
The Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) distributed royalties to its members during a ceremony attended by hundreds of artistes, music producers and music lovers at Harare Gardens on Friday.
The recently formed ZICCO, which has been collecting royalties from venue owners, hotels, bars and nightclubs, handed over cash royalties to 100 members at the ceremony while others were asked to visit ZICCO offices to collect their money.
Among those who collected their royalties were both yesteryear and rising musicians, including Taruvinga ‘Shuga Shuga’ Manjokota, Trymore Bande, Daiton Somanje, Petronella Piwa, Innocent Chidhakwa and Tindo Chiraya, who is also the organisation’s chairperson.
“I want to thank the organisation for its unwavering support to artists,” said Chiraya.
“Artistes got different sums ranging from US$50, depending on the popularity of their work and how frequently they are played at different venues.
“I encourage fellow musicians to join ZICCO because membership also entitles one to a funeral policy, and medical aid cover.”
The organisation also gifted Daniel Gonora, a blind sungura musician who usually plays music on the streets of Harare, with a food hamper and cash.
Gonora vowed to immediately register with ZICCO and said he appreciated the donation.
“I am happy that ZICCO has remembered me. I am hoping their assistance will go as far as uplifting me from the streets to playing my music at venues where fellow artists perform,” he said.
The same donation was also extended to Greatman, who is living with a disability, and Patrick Mukwamba of the ‘Bonasi’ fame, who has been struggling financially and is selling CDs in Rusape.
Meanwhile, music lovers were treated to an electric performance by both rising and seasoned musicians, with sungura musicians Tindo Chiraya and Shuga Shuga ruling the roost.
A well-choreographed set by Chiraya left fellow musicians spellbound and dancing along.
Shuga Shuga was not to be outdone, belting hits that saw him rise to stardom about two decades ago, with ‘Mairosi’ being the crowd’s favourite.
An impromptu performance by gospel musician Trymore Bande, backed by volunteers from the crowd, was also one of the major highlights of the event.
Chegutu-based acapella group Chitsidzo Chevatendi was applauded by the crowd for their apostolic tunes.
Their rendition of Killer T’s ‘Kana Ndanyura’ with an apostolic sect feel had the audience in awe.
Online Reporter