Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has expelled musician and board member Gift Amuli from its membership rolls, escalating a long-running internal dispute that has exposed deep divisions within the country’s music royalty collection body.
In a letter dated June 5, 2026, ZIMURA informed Amuli that his membership had been terminated with immediate effect following a disciplinary process that found him guilty of multiple violations of the association’s rules and regulations.
The letter, signed by Board Chairman Alexio Gwenzi and Disciplinary Committee Chairman First Farai Batani, stated that the decision was based on findings of intentional misrepresentation, dissemination of false or incomplete information, unauthorised disclosure of confidential organisational matters, defamation of the board and management, incitement of unrest within the association and acting without authority.
“I write this letter informing you that with effect from 05 June 2026 your membership with ZIMURA has been terminated. This action is consistent with ZIMURA Rules and Regulations that govern the actions and behaviour of membership,” part of the letter reads.
The disciplinary action stems largely from a press conference held by Amuli in Harare on January 19 this year, during which he publicly challenged the association’s leadership and governance practices.
However, Amuli’s expulsion is the latest chapter in a bitter internal battle that has played out publicly over several months.
Together with fellow board members Dereck Mpofu and Joseph Garakara, Amuli emerged as part of a dissenting faction that accused ZIMURA’s leadership of lacking transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the management of assets and royalty distributions.
One of the most contentious issues centred on the sale of ZIMURA-owned flats in Avondale, Harare. While the association defended the disposal of the properties as a strategic decision aimed at improving operational efficiency and securing more suitable office accommodation, Amuli and his allies questioned the transparency of the transaction.
The dissenting board members argued that the sale required broader consultation and claimed they withheld signatures necessary to finalise the conveyancing process.
The dispute widened beyond property management to broader concerns over governance, royalty administration and the role of artists within the organisation.
Several musicians have publicly voiced dissatisfaction with royalty payouts, arguing that the amounts distributed do not reflect the popularity of their music.
Sungura musician Romeo Gasa previously questioned royalty calculations after reportedly receiving US$41 despite enjoying significant commercial success, while artist Chief Hwenje also expressed frustration over what he described as inadequate earnings from music usage.
The tensions have been compounded by past controversies involving ZIMURA. The organisation previously faced scrutiny from government regulators over unapproved tariffs levied on event organisers and cover bands. In 2025, the Ministry of Justice directed the association to suspend certain charges pending regulatory review after concerns were raised about their legal basis.
Questions over governance were further amplified following the fraud conviction of former Executive Director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini in 2025, a matter that critics argued damaged confidence in the organisation’s leadership structures.
Despite the growing criticism, ZIMURA maintains that Amuli’s expulsion is strictly a disciplinary matter and not an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
The association says it acted in accordance with its constitution and regulations to protect organisational integrity and ensure members adhere to established governance procedures.
Amuli has been given 14 days to appeal the decision to the ZIMURA Board Chairperson.
His expulsion is expected to intensify debate over transparency, accountability and artist representation within Zimbabwe’s music industry, where growing calls for reform continue to place pressure on the country’s principal royalty collection agency.
As the dispute unfolds, many artists are closely watching developments amid concerns that the ongoing conflict could further undermine confidence in a system that thousands of musicians depend on for royalty income and copyright protection.
