Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Zimbabwe Music Rights Association has spectacularly imploded after Government wielded the axe on the entire board led by Alexio Gwenzi, bringing months of chaos, infighting and damning allegations to a dramatic halt.
The decision sparked by concerns over poor financial transparency, questionable legitimacy and failure to account for musicians’ royalties has sent shockwaves across the arts sector and ignited both relief and fresh questions about the future of the industry.
Board members were ordered to immediately cease all duties and hand over documents within seven days, a no-nonsense directive that many artistes see as long overdue. At the centre of the transition is acting director Henry Makombe, who stepped in following the resignation of Polisiwe Chimhini after three decades of service.
But as the storm rages, Makombe is keeping silent on the unfolding developments.
“I have been advised by my legal adviser not to comment on the issue,” he said.
Earlier, he had reassured stakeholders that operations would continue, saying, “We continue operating as the secretariat, awaiting the appointment of the interim administrator by the ministry and ultimately the establishment of a new board.”
The roots of the crisis run deep. What began as a disputed election last year quickly spiralled into a full-blown governance meltdown after a board comprising Gwenzi, Farai Batni, Ndimuzi Phuti, Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara and Gift Amuli took office amid allegations of rigging.
The situation worsened when controversy erupted over the alleged illegal disposal of two flats in Avondale, triggering fierce divisions within the leadership.
Statements defending the sale were issued, only for some members to publicly distance themselves, exposing deep cracks within the boardroom. Mpofu, Garakara and Amuli broke ranks and challenged the narrative, a move that saw them dismissed but not silenced, as they vowed to continue fighting for musicians’ rights and demanded an Extraordinary General Meeting that never materialised.
Attempts to resolve the impasse through Government mediation failed, with tensions escalating further amid accusations that the secretariat was ruling with an iron fist, leaving stakeholders increasingly frustrated.
While the leadership battled, musicians continued to suffer. For years, complaints have mounted over opaque royalty systems that leave artistes earning next to nothing despite significant airplay and popularity.
Even industry heavyweight Alick Macheso has previously threatened to walk away from Zimura over poor payouts, highlighting the scale of discontent.
At a recent stakeholder engagement forum, Charles Charamba voiced the frustrations shared by many.
