Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Edith WeUtonga, the founding president of the Zimbabwe Music Union (ZIMU), has demanded the immediate halt of music royalty collections until the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) addresses concerns regarding its operations.
WeUtonga’s call comes amid growing discontent among musicians and industry stakeholders regarding ZIMURA’s handling of royalties and its perceived lack of transparency.
In an interview, WeUtonga called out Albert Nyathi saying that he has failed them as a father figure in the music industry.
“At the moment it is important to stop the collection of royalties until we who rightfully can collect those royalties. We want a forensic audit that proves that everything is done proper at ZIMURA and we are just making statements for no reasons.
“We need stop until we see a resignation of the board at ZIMURA that is led by baba Albert Nyathi because as a father he has failed us. He has been at ZIMURA for over 15 years, and those years I have set at the meetings at ZIMURA, the financial report is discussed after 1pm.
“They just browse through it and nothing much is done properly. We have seen financial reports of money been used for no reasons. At one point they brought unforms for ZIMURA officers kuti vatore mari dzedu vakachena that was their statement,” she said.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Zimbabwean music industry, particularly regarding rights management and fair compensation for artists. WeUtonga emphasised that ZIMU’s demand is not about undermining ZIMURA but about ensuring that the organization operates with integrity and accountability.
“People like Hope Masike, First Farai and others are not doing their jobs properly.
“Nyathi needs to do the right thing for us to move forward. The board has failed us, the board was voted in by the musicians, and it should look after the interests of the musicians but they are looking after the interests of an executive director whose position does not exist in the union.
“We need to stand as an organisation for our members and all the musicians who feel there is violation and mismanagement happening at ZIMURA join us at the court of law. Let’s stand up and save ZIMURA from the hands holding on to it right now.”
The ZIMU has called on all artists to rally behind them in calling for accountability and the resignation of the ZIMURA board following the fraud conviction of Polisile Ncube Chimhini, the executive director of the organization.
