Online Reporter
Tafara Chibanda
THE Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has defended its decision to charge a US$150 per show licensing fee for cover bands saying it is a necessary measure to protect composers’ intellectual property rights and ensure fair compensation.
In a statement, ZIMURA Board member and Director of Information, Alexio Gwenzi, said the debate over the tariffs was being driven by music users, not copyright holders.
“It is crucial to clarify that those expressing concerns about the tariffs are not the intellectual property rights holders but rather ZIMURA’s clients,” he said.
“ZIMURA remains receptive to their concerns, however, the organisation has a legal mandate to protect its members’ copyright by also ensuring composers receive fair compensation for usage or manipulation of their work.”
He said the fees support the widows and orphans of late Zimbabwean music icons such as Leonard Dembo, Marshall Munhumumwe, Tongai Moyo, Cephas Mashakada, Solomon Skhuza, John Chibadura and Oliver Mtukudzi, whose music is frequently covered.
ZIMURA said its copyright experts had conducted extensive research, comparing regional tariffs in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria, as well as licencing models in the UK and USA.
“The assertion that the US$150 per show licence fee for cover bands is excessive is ill-informed and unfortunate,” he SAID.
ZIMURA suggested that bands earning as little as US$100 should increase their performance fees to include the composers’ licencing costs.
“Furthermore, musicians are encouraged to establish effective musicians’ unions to advocate for fair performance fees,” he said.
ZIMURA clarified that bands performing mostly original compositions with only a few cover songs would not require a licence.
However, those playing more than 90% cover songs must obtain a ZIMURA Copyright Music Licence.
Venue owners hosting non-compliant bands could also face legal action.
ZIMURA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue while standing firm on its mandate.
“ZIMURA maintains that its members’ work is valuable and its commercial use legally attracts a payment of the US$150 fee,” he said.
