Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (Zicco) has announced that its members will begin receiving a uniform royalty payout of US$50 starting on May 30, a move aimed at promoting fairness and transparency in Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
Zicco says its new payout system is based on general music usage, offering equal payments to all its registered members.
Zicco chief executive officer Tafadzwa Masembura said the payment plan seeks to correct long-standing injustices in how royalties are distributed, especially among emerging and lesser-known artistes.
“This new model, effective from May 30, is a game-changer. It guarantees equitable sharing of royalties. Most of our collections come from general usage, where tracks are played randomly by businesses and event organisers. Therefore, until we have a detailed playlist-based system, we believe a flat-rate payment is the fairest approach,” Masembura said.
Masembura underscored the principle of equal opportunity, especially in a landscape where other Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) are often accused of favouritism and opaque royalty systems.
“Our members are comfortable with this payment structure. We operate on collective trust, and no one should be short-changed for their contribution,” he said.
With over 2 000 members, Zicco is still in its growth phase. The council plans to disburse royalties twice this year, in May/June and November/December, to ensure members receive timely benefits.
Masembura urged all artistes to complete their registration by May 30, 2025, to be eligible for the upcoming disbursement.
“It’s crucial for artistes to finalise their documentation. This allows us to vet the database properly and avoid duplication or errors in payouts.”
He further cautioned against dual membership with other copyright bodies, which could compromise the integrity of the distribution process.
“We encourage loyalty to one organisation. Dual membership only creates confusion and undermines transparency.”
Zicco’s bold step towards uniform royalty distribution is not without criticism, but the organisation maintains that it is a transitional model intended to benefit as many creators as possible until more advanced systems are in place.
“We know $50 may seem small, but it’s a start. Our long-term vision includes building sustainable revenue streams and stronger partnerships to increase returns for our members,” Masembura concluded.
Bongani Ndlovu