ZIMURA’s $150 Cover Song Fee Sparks Music Industry Debate
Zimbabwe’s music industry has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association’s (ZIMURA) decision to mandate a $150 fee for artists performing cover songs.
While some have expressed concerns over the tariff, several prominent musicians have come out in support of ZIMURA’s move.
According to Alexio Gwenzi, ZIMURA’s Director of Information, “ZIMURA remains receptive to concerns, however, the organization has a legal mandate to protect its members’ copyright by ensuring composers receive fair compensation for usage/manipulation of their work.”
Gwenzi emphasized that ZIMURA’s primary objective is to safeguard the intellectual property rights of its members, including iconic Zimbabwean composers such as Leonard Dembo, Marshall Munhumumwe, and Oliver Mtukudzi.
“The proliferation of cover bands over the past two decades necessitates addressing the prejudice felt by original music owners who are being deprived of due compensation,” Gwenzi explained. “ZIMURA is merely fulfilling its mandate to manage members’ rights.”
ZIMURA’s research has shown that the $150 per show license fee for cover bands is comparable to regional tariffs in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Nigeria. Gwenzi suggested that bands earning as little as $100 should consider increasing their fees to include the $150 composers’ fee.
Musicians are also encouraged to establish effective musicians’ unions to advocate for fair performance fees. Gwenzi reiterated that ZIMURA maintains its members’ work is valuable, and its commercial use legally attracts a payment of the $150 fee.
The organization has clarified that cover bands playing more than 90% cover songs are required to obtain a ZIMURA Copyright Music License. Failure to comply will result in legal action against both artists and venue owners.
As the debate continues, ZIMURA remains open to constructive dialogue towards finding positive, lasting solutions that enhance Zimbabwe’s music industry.
