By Arts Correspondent
HARARE —Musician Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi has been elected as the new chairperson of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) board.
The elections were held on Monday at the Zimura headquarters in Harare during a meeting that lasted nearly six hours.
Goodchild succeeds veteran poet Albert Nyathi, who did not participate in last year’s board elections held in October.
He won the chairmanship with four votes, while Farai Batani received one vote.
Under the organisation’s rules, Batani automatically assumes the position of vice-chairperson.
The Zimura board is composed of ICT Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, Farai Batani, Goodchild, Dereck Mpofu, Gift Amuli, Joseph Garakara, Chiedza Shoniwa, and Evelyn Natsai Moyo.
Three board members were absent from the elections for undisclosed reasons, leaving five members to cast the votes that determined the leadership.
Speaking on the sidelines, Goodchild said he was ready to begin work immediately.
“I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the new Zimura Board Chairperson.
“To have the confidence of my colleagues is truly humbling. We are now at a critical turning point.
“Our primary mission is to restore trust among our members and counter the misinformation that has sought to divide us,” said Goodchild.
“I call upon my fellow board members to remain steadfast in our mandate to economically empower our creatives.
“To our members, I ask for your vigilance,not to be swayed by social media narratives designed to tarnish our collective work.
Together, we can usher in a new era of growth and excellence for Zimura,” added Goodchild.
