THE Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) has dismissed social media rumours suggesting a rift between it and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), assuring the public that their relationship remains strong and intact.
The clarification comes after online claims alleging that the two organisations have clashed over a US$150 licence fee for cover bands.
The story quickly spread on social media, sparking debate within the music industry and raising questions about how the country’s arts sector is being managed.
However, Zimura director for information, media and publicity, Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi, has set the record straight.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Oscar Pambuka, Gwenzi said the reports were blown out of proportion and based on a misunderstanding of the roles of two institutions.
“People need to understand that the National Arts Council protects all arts practitioners, while Zimura focuses on composers and songwriters — the owners of music intellectual property,” Gwenzi explained.
“That difference in roles may look like we’re on opposite sides, but in reality, our relationship with NACZ is solid.”
Gwenzi did not mince his words in criticising some social media bloggers, accusing them of fuelling unnecessary tension for personal gain.
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“Some of these so-called online journalists are spreading lies just to get attention and views,” he said.
“They are paid by Facebook and YouTube to create sensational stories at the expense of the industry.
“The pen is powerful — it can build or destroy. Their days of misleading the public are numbered.”
Gwenzi emphasised that Zimura continues to work closely with both NACZ and its regulator, Collective Intellectual Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ), under the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry.
“Our relationship with NACZ and CIPZ is fantastic,” he said. “In fact, I appreciate how the new NACZ director, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi, brought stakeholders together for a roundtable discussion when the confusion began.
“That’s true leadership — NACZ is like a parent in the arts sector.”
He revealed that he and Zimura board chair Albert Nyathi had a positive meeting with NACZ board chairperson Nozipho Maraire, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the good of Zimbabwean artistes.
Recently, Zimura’s board and management met with their regulator, CIPZ, to provide updates on the organisation’s operations and receive guidance on compliance and internal processes.
According to Gwenzi, the meeting was productive and reaffirmed Zimura’s alignment with its statutory obligations.
Gwenzi, who has served as Zimura’s media and publicity director under the outgoing board, said the organisation remained focused on protecting artistes’ rights, promoting transparency and ensuring musicians benefited from their creative work.
“Everything we do is to make sure that both music creators and users benefit fairly,” he said.
“Zimura is not against anyone — we are working to make the industry better for everyone.”
With the dust now settling, Zimura’s message is clear: collaboration, not conflict, remains at the heart of its mission to strengthen Zimbabwe’s music industry and protect the rights of those who create the country’s soundtrack.
