ZIMBABWE Music Rights Association (Zimura) executive director Polisile Ncube yesterday dismissed as a hoax reports doing the rounds on social media that the authority, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), was conceiving a plan to tax live shows by artistes.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
The message, which has gone viral on different social media platforms, said Zimura and Zimra were planning to intensify measures to collect revenue from the showbiz sector starting on July 13.
Although Zimra spokesperson Taungana Ndoro had not responded to questions emailed to him as per his request by the time of going to print last night, Ncube told NewsDay the message was “malicious”.
She said Zimura was not aware of any move to tax entertainment events as their mandate was to license music users, not to collect taxes.
“The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association would like to dismiss malicious allegations doing rounds on social media about Zimura collecting taxes and other fees from events, album sales and shows by musicians,” she said.
“Zimura communicates directly to its members if there are new developments in the organisation. Please disregard the malicious information being spread on WhatsApp and other social media platforms we may not be aware of.”
The message circulating on social media networks reads in part: “Any group, band, artiste or choir that operates publicly, but without being registered or licensed shall be held liable to a fine to be stipulated by the authorities. No group shall be allowed to operate without a licence from Zimura and a tax clearance certificate from Zimra.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“All recording studios, rehearsal studios, entertainment clubs and any such facilities which provide ancillary services in the music/entertainment industry shall require a permit from Zimra and a tax clearance certificate to operate.”
It further said licence fees had been pegged at $124 for solo artistes, $175 for a band and $250 for a choir.
Players in the music industry have, however, said such a move would be a major blow to the struggling arts sector.
Music promoter and Jibilika founder and director Plot Mhako said such a move was unjustified and should be condemned if it was to be introduced as it would jeopardise artistes’ activities.
“I find such suggestions as a blow to an already ailing and unsupported arts sector to which the institution has already been milking. It can be a very sad and unfortunate move which would criminalise creativity and impoverish artistes,” Mhako said.
“Instead of exploiting the already struggling sector, they is need for a holistic approach by the government to come up with policies to address the challenges facing the showbiz sector than to further push it into intensive care.”
On the other side, Zimura and some artistes have been at loggerheads several times due to operational issues.
