Operating in Zimbabwe’s arts industry remains risky and, at times, life-threatening for women and young girls, says rising Gweru-based gospel musician Yeukai Mangwaza.
Mangwaza, popularly known as Mother of Nations, told Standard Style that despite recording notable growth in 2025, the music industry remains deeply skewed against women, with persistent structural and cultural challenges yet to be addressed.
She said women’s voices in the industry are still treated as inferior and often disregarded, even when they are legally and professionally entitled to make decisions.
“The year 2025 was very progressive for me. I managed to break the ceiling that had limited my growth. I built my public image and received airplay, which was a major milestone,” Mangwaza said.
“However, the journey as a woman in music remains tough despite the progress. A lot still needs to be done for meaningful change to take place.”
Mangwaza lamented that female artistes are frequently undermined during negotiations, even in situations where they are the principal decision-makers.
“It is unfortunate that women are still regarded as voiceless associates. Even where a woman is supposed to negotiate and make decisions on behalf of her music company, there is always someone — often a producer—who wants to overpower her authority,” she said.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced in 2025, Mangwaza revealed that she lost significant amounts of money after some industry players took advantage of her openness and professional trust.
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“Late last year, my producer cancelled our scheduled video shoot without any notice. The most painful part is that I had already invested heavily in the project preparation and paid him in advance,” she said.
“I was devastated. I became sick and unable to do anything. A lot of money had been spent and all the effort went down the drain.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) senior licensing inspector Oliver Munyawara has urged artistes to safeguard themselves by fully utilising the organisation’s legal advisory services.
“It is important for musicians to engage our legal experts whenever they are conducting business. Music is business, and every engagement must be backed by proper documentation. Without paperwork, artistes will always be taken advantage of,” Munyawara said.
He said Zimura offers free legal consultation services to confirmed members, encouraging musicians to seek professional guidance before entering into contracts or financial agreements.
Munyawara made the remarks while addressing and orienting new Zimura members in Gweru last week.
