By Felix Mwatutsa

MARONDERA- Music artists in Mashonaland East province have praised the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for swiftly suspending the Zimbabwe Music Right Association’s (ZIMURA) controversial US$150 license fees and proposed 30 percent sponsorship levy.

Artistes interviewed by Chaminuka said the decision addresses the uncertainty and challenges that they faced. Many artists now rely on gig income to remain in the game.

Female artists, who often depend on performing cover songs to sustain their careers in a male-dominated industry, are among those that were negatively impacted by the development.

The suspension provides a sense of security, allowing them to focus on their craft without the added financial burden.

Talent Ngwenya who is also known as DJ TarenDa supported the move which he said would have had a devastating impact on musicians.

“I have been in the music industry for many years. The country’s laws always remind us that there are certain percentages that we pay to authorities but I believe that such royalties must be mutually agreed upon and set at a realistic rate that benefits both parties,” Ngwenya said.

As one of his concerns as an artist, Ngwenya said ZIMURA should recognise musicians as stakeholders and reconsider their approach by engaging them.

Another artist, Elvis Katsande, also known as Elvis Kay, supported the decision to suspend ZIMURA’s US$150 license fee for cover band. He said: “This is a welcome development for us as musicians. Personally, I am an upcoming artist and I rely on performing cover songs to initially grab fans’ attention, which ultimately helps to showcase their own original music and build a following.”

ZIMU chairperson for Mashonaland East Province, Sailos Gumunyu, said the union has taken proactive steps to address irregularities through the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture