THE Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) appointed a new board at its elective annual general meeting (AGM) held in Bulawayo recently, ushering in a fresh leadership team that includes veteran musician Nicholas “Chase” Skuza.
The new board, dominated by Bulawayo-based members, is chaired by Thabiso Moyo, who takes over from long-serving former chairperson Tendai Chiraya.
Other elected members are Skuza, Brighton Chirumbwana, Ishmael Sibanda, Evias Bhebhe, Honest Mapengo, Oscar Siziba, Sinikiwe Gwijano and Julius Ndlovu.
Skuza’s election drew applause from members, with many viewing his entry to the organisation’s top leadership as a milestone for stronger artiste representation.
The Plumtree-born musician rose to prominence through popularising Banolila, the 1980s hit originally composed by his late brother Solomon.
Despite the song’s commercial success reportedly selling over 75 000 copies, Skuza has previously bemoaned the meagre royalties it earned, a concern he is now positioned to address from within ZICCO.
ZICCO chief executive officer Tafadzwa Masembura told members that the organisation had emerged stronger after a year marked by legal battles, expansion efforts and decentralisation projects.
He reaffirmed that unity and artiste welfare remained central to ZICCO’s mandate.
- Zicco moves in on artistes royalties
- ZICCO moves to strengthen business, artist relations
- ZICCO appoints new board
Keep Reading
Masembura launched a new initiative to curb drug and alcohol abuse within the creative community, describing substance abuse as a growing threat to artistic productivity.
“We recognise that the pressures of artistic life can be immense, but substance abuse only dims the brilliant light of our talent,” he said.
“A healthy artiste is a productive artiste.”
The programme will include a confidential peer support network with rehabilitation specialists, alongside mental-health workshops targeted at artistes.
Masembura urged members to safeguard the institution, noting the extensive process it underwent to secure a collective management organisation licence.
“It took us four years to get this licence after going through a rigorous process just to make sure you get your royalties,” he said, emphasising unity and adherence to official communication channels.
“We only have one official WhatsApp group. If you see yourself in another group purporting to be ZICCO, then know that you are not one of us.”
Lindsay Musukutwa, the deputy chief registrar of Deeds and Intellectual Property Rights who was the guest of honour, commended the elections as a sign of renewed confidence and governance within ZICCO.
She stressed the need for transparency, technological upgrading and alignment with international copyright standards.
“Today’s royalty distribution is not merely a financial transaction, it is an affirmation that creatives deserve to benefit from their labour,” she said.
“A strong board means a strong institution and a strong institution means empowered artistes.”
Musukutwa encouraged artistes to broaden their understanding of copyright law and take advantage of digital opportunities.
Meanwhile, ZICCO announced a 25%-50% reduction in licence fees to promote compliance and ease the burden on businesses that support the creative sector.
Masembura confirmed plans to open new offices in Manicaland and Masvingo, following the establishment of branches in Bulawayo and Gweru.
ZICCO, a registered collective management organisation mandated to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of artistes, held its elective AGM in line with its constitution.
Members described this year’s elections as free, fair and procedurally sound, and many see Skuza’s appointment as a pivotal moment that can advance the cause for fair compensation and professionalise the sector.
