happiness Chikwanha
Mbulelo Mpofu
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has stepped in to halt the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura)’s controversial US$150 licensing fee for live bands, ordering its immediate suspension.
In February this year, Zimura directed a local restaurants to ensure that all performing bands obtain a valid license, costing US$150 per event – a sharp increase from the previous US$50 annual fee.
Zimura issued a public notice on Friday, reaffirming its stance.
In response through a statement issued yesterday, NACZ executive director Napoleon Nyanhi issued a directive instructing Zimura to “regularise its registration with NACZ as an arts association.”
NACZ ordered that “all directives for payment of the $150 tariff are suspended immediately pending the conclusion of the registration, dialogue, and negotiation processes.”
Online Reporter