By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has clarified that churches must obtain copyright licences for the music performed during worship services, underscoring that the law requires all organisations to pay royalties when using another person’s intellectual property.
The announcement came during an interview on Burning Issues with Oscar Pambuka, where ZIMURA spokesperson Alexio Gwenzi explained that licensing applies not only to churches but also to cover bands, venues, broadcasters, and other businesses using copyrighted music.
“If you are an organisation, whatever organisation that you are, if you are going to perform another person’s intellectual property, you are infringing on their copyright and you should pay for it,” Gwenzi said.
He cited Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s UFIC church as an example of a large worship organisation that already holds a licence.
Gwenzi explained that ZIMURA is a non-profit collective management organisation that collects fees from “music users” and distributes royalties to rightsholders under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05].
“We license any business that is using music to push their business… broadcasters, hotels, lodges, restaurants, boutiques and television stations. Anyone who uses music,” he said, noting that ZIMURA represents around 5,000 creators.
Earlier in 2025, ZIMURA’s US$150 (R2,604) per-show composers’ fee for cover bands sparked controversy, prompting the ministry of justice to suspend the tariff pending review.
Gwenzi defended the approach, stating, “We create tariffs and deposit them with the ministry… once stamped, we implement.”
He added that some bands earn as much as US$2,000 per show.
On the matter of churches, Gwenzi said ZIMURA’s approach is respectful of worship spaces but firm on licensing, with fees ranging from US$30–US$100 depending on the organisation and use.
Registration for artists costs US$20 (R347) and includes benefits such as funeral cover and an incapacitation allowance, with additional support of US$500 (R8,679) provided by members.
“We pay for usage of music. If your music is not being used, you can’t get anything,” Gwenzi said, highlighting the financial impact on artists.
He cited historical radio per-play royalties of 7–12 cents and noted that top earners recently received about US$5,000 (R86,787).
Gwenzi also addressed leadership and accountability issues at ZIMURA, confirming that Chief Executive Polisile Ncube-Chimhini remains in position while appealing a fraud conviction from June 2025.
“She has led the organisation… we are in the High Court to appeal because we believe she should not have been convicted,” he said.
Pressed on annual collections and church tariff bands, Gwenzi acknowledged fluctuations and promised to provide specifics later.
He noted that while most broadcasters pay their fees, “many owe” substantial arrears, which ZIMURA continues to pursue.
