ZIMURA Leaders Accused of Corruption and Looting Musicians’ Royalties

By Loyd Matare 

Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) President Edith Katiji has accused the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) of deep-seated corruption, mismanagement, and financial injustice.

In an open letter to the media, Katiji said the music industry was “bleeding in silence” while authorities turn a blind eye to glaring acts of mismanagement and abuse of power within ZIMURA.

“ZIMURA is heading to elections presided over by a convicted felon,” Katiji said.

“Audit reports are legally deficient, riddled with loopholes, and there is ongoing manipulation to disqualify artists from running despite submitting their nominations on time.”

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She added that governance failures at ZIMURA have created an environment where whistleblowers face intimidation and harassment.

“People who raise their voices are being silenced…this is a pattern, not an accident.”

“Our legendary musician Patrick Mukwamba receives only US$30 annually in royalties for his extensive catalogue,” Katiji revealed.

“…The executives of ZIMURA live lavish lifestyles, drawing thousands monthly. This is financial injustice on an industrial scale,” Katiji said.

She warned that the upcoming elections are nothing more than a sham designed to entrench corrupt leadership.

“The majority of members might not be aware of how deep the rot goes,” she said.

“If we do not act, our music industry is at risk of collapse under the weight of greed and mismanagement.”

“We have given hard evidence, staged demonstrations, filed reports, and issued statements,” Katiji said.

“Yet, the leadership continues to operate with impunity. This is not just an institutional failure it’s a betrayal of every Zimbabwean artist.”