Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has drawn a clear line on music copyright, saying a one-day licence does not give cover bands unlimited rights to commercially exploit copyrighted works.
The clarification comes amid an ongoing copyright dispute involving popular musician Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave and In Total, which has generated considerable debate within Zimbabwe’s music industry.
ZIMURA said a US$150 licence receipt circulating on social media related to one specific event and was valid for one day only.
The association said the licence did not constitute a blanket or permanent authority to perform, record, reproduce or commercially exploit Zimbabwean music at future events.
On In Total, ZIMURA said the group did not hold a general licence covering its continuing commercial performances, tours and events beyond the particular one-day licence.
The association also said it had no record of royalties being remitted specifically to Fungisai from In Total’s commercial exploitation of her works.ZIMURA further revealed that it had not received royalties from the Econbank Legends Night tours.
The copyright body confirmed that Fungisai is its member and said it supports her right to protect, control and defend her intellectual property.
It said commercial exploitation should not continue where a copyright owner has expressly objected and the necessary permissions and licences have not been obtained.ZIMURA’s position is expected to serve as an eye-opener to musicians, cover bands, promoters and event organisers, many of whom may need to reassess how they obtain and use copyrighted music for commercial purposes.
The association emphasised that Zimbabwean musicians have the right to control their intellectual property, object to unauthorised use, demand proper licensing and accounting, receive applicable royalties and seek legal remedies where their rights are infringed.
The latest clarification has therefore shifted the debate beyond the dispute involving Fungisai and In Total, highlighting the wider need for greater understanding of copyright obligations within Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry.
ZIMURA’s message is clear: a one-day US$150 licence is not a licence to commercially exploit an artist’s music indefinitely.
The association’s intervention comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s music industry continues to expand through live shows, cover bands, tours and digital platforms, making proper copyright compliance increasingly important.
