Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Zimbabwe Council of Copyright (ZICCO) is taking steps to support musicians by replenishing their royalties through innovative farming initiatives.
This shift comes at a crucial time when many creatives are struggling to make ends meet.
Encouraged by their farming venture in Nyabira, a satellite town located about 35 kilometres northwest of Harare along the Chirundu Road, the newly-registered Collective Management Organisation (CMO) in Zimbabwe is going the extra mile to raise funds for musicians’ livelihoods.
Launched last year, this farming initiative recently gained momentum following a significant legal victory in their Supreme Court battle against the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), which had previously barred them from issuing music licenses.
The dispute began when Simbisa Brands Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd transitioned its music licensing from ZIMURA to ZICCO, much to ZIMURA’s dismay.
On February 19, the Supreme Court issued a consent order that resolved the matter.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, ZICCO CEO Tafadzwa Masembura said that the organisation prioritises musicians’ welfare rather than engaging in conflicts with ZIMURA, which has been embroiled in internal disputes.
“There has been a protracted legal battle between us and ZIMURA over the issuance of music licenses but the matter has come to a conclusion and we are now focused on other initiatives,” Masembura stated.
“Now that the issue is settled, we are eager to continue our farming project in Nyabira, where we are cultivating soybeans after acquiring land there.”
He added:
“We realised the need to empower musicians through alternative means like farming. We don’t want musicians to remain idle at home, they need support in this way.”
Masembura, supported by a dedicated team of musicians, including Tendai Chiraya in operations and administration, described the farming project as a game-changer.
“At this plot, we focus not only on soybeans but also on crop rotation. In the future, we aim to employ our members to manage their own projects, with proceeds going toward their upkeep.
“This initiative seeks to provide a sustainable source of income for artists who have long faced financial hardships.
“It comes at a critical time when many artists are suffering from poverty due to inadequate revenue generation and insufficient royalties.
“Many composers have been voicing concerns about the lack of royalties, which are insufficient to sustain their livelihoods.
“Consequently, we convened as a board and acquired this piece of land on behalf of our members.”
Beyond farming, ZICCO has also taken the initiative to cover medical bills for their members.
The organisation’s innovative approach serves as a model for other creative industries, showcasing how collective action and strategic investments can transform the lives of artists and their communities.
With ZICCO at the forefront of this movement, the future looks increasingly optimistic for musicians and other creatives in Zimbabwe.
Last year, ZICCO held its annual board meeting in Bulawayo, leading to the election of a new board chaired by Thabiso Moyo.
There are plans to establish vibrant centres in Mutare, Bindura, Chinhoyi and Masvingo, with existing centres already in Harare, Bulawayo and Gweru.
The elevation of veteran musician Nicholas ‘Chase’ Skuza to the new board is particularly symbolic.
Skuza, who has publicly lamented the meagre royalties from his own commercially successful work, brings first-hand experience of artists’ financial struggles to the council’s leadership.
For the sake of inclusivity, ZICCO has also appointed Chase Skuza as one of the elders of the organisation.
