adminTHE Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) has vowed to continue its blitz against unlicensed disc jockeys (DJs), dance groups, night clubs and shops.
Zimura, the mother body of the music industry in the country has tightened their bolts and went stringent against artistes who operate illegally by launching an operation named “Operation produce authority” to all artistes who operate without licenses.
The association is said to be working with the police and they have since raided several night clubs and entertainment joints in Midlands, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North demanding licenses from DJs and artistes.
Zimura financial officer William Munanairi said a lot of artistes have been violating copyright laws and very few artistes have registered with them as compared to events being hosted nationally.
“A lot of premises are being opened, more musicians are emerging in the country but a few are operating legally and as Zimura we decided to launch Operation Produce Authority targeting unlicensed musicians and dance groups,” he said.
“We also realised that we are approaching the festive season and a number of activities would be done that involve a number of DJs.”
For the past months, 55 unlicensed DJs were fined and got a chance to be licensed by Zimura. Before the raids began, only 22 DJs were registered.
Munanairi said the raids conducted especially during weekends would continue and unlicensed artistes would be handed over to the police where they would be fined.
“We are working hand in glove with the police and illegal artistes will be arrested. Artistes should be authorised by us before engaging in any activity,” he said.
Munanairi said it was only $2 to get a license for the whole year and there was no reason whatsoever for artistes to give excuses when they were caught.
“It’s only $2 to get a license for the whole year, hence artistes who do not have the required documents are in danger of paying relatively larger amounts if they are caught operating out of law,” he said.
Munanairi added that there was relatively massive growth of illegal house parties in several areas in Matebeleland and has warned them to take licenses before they are raided.
“A lot of raids are conducted during weekends and we have realised that there is a string of house parties especially in Binga, Victoria Falls, Kamativi, Inyathi and Nkayi. We urge all DJs to be responsible and take licenses,” he said.
He said Zimura’s intention was not to stifle music growth, but they wanted to make sure that all music users were licensed so that authors and composers of music get royalties from use of their property.
“As much as we appreciate the value and creativity that DJs and dance groups are giving the music industry, they ought to remunerate the music composers by obtaining copyright licenses from Zimura.
“The Copyright, Neighbouring Rights Act Chapter 26:05 is very clear on premises that cause public performance of music without the authority of the owner of the copyright,” he added.
Munanairi said Zimbabwe was a signatory to the Berne Convention, the standard copyright convention which allows for mutual protection of all copyright works originating in approximately 120 countries that are signatories.
Online Reporter