Government Dissolves ZIMURA Board Amid Financial Scandals & Musician Outcry
Published Via: Sona Headlines | Entertainment Desk
The Government of Zimbabwe has officially dissolved the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board, citing critical failures in Financial Transparency and corporate governance. This decisive intervention follows months of escalating Artist Royalties Disputes, internal mismanagement, and mounting pressure from local musicians demanding Copyright Accountability.
By dissolving the board, authorities aim to restore integrity to the organization responsible for the collection and Fair Distribution of Royalties to Zimbabwean creators and performers.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Board Status
Dissolved. Chaired previously by Alexio Gwenzi.
Current Operations
Secretariat remains operational under Acting Director Henry Makombe.
Core Issue
Unfair royalty payouts (as low as $3) and massive financial mismanagement allegations.
Next Steps
Ministry of Justice to appoint an Interim Administrator.
The Fall of the ZIMURA Board
The intervention is seen as a significant step by authorities to address long-standing concerns raised by stakeholders in the creative industry over poor financial transparency and fiduciary irresponsibility.
Board Dissolved
The board, which was chaired by Alexio Gwenzi, was officially disbanded by the Government following severe concerns over how the organisation was managing artist finances.
Secretariat Remains Operational
Speaking to the media, acting ZIMURA director Henry Makombe stated: “We continue operating as the Secretariat, awaiting for the Interim Administrator to be appointed by the Ministry (of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs) and ultimately the establishment of the new board.”
The dissolution follows weeks of public criticism from leading musicians, who exposed severely skewed and unfair royalty distributions.
Alick Macheso Speaks Out
The Sungura legend expressed deep frustration: “This association does not belong to them — it belongs to every member... An artiste is invited from as far as Bulawayo to collect royalties that do not even cover their bus fare.”
The Unfair Payouts
While ZIMURA distributed US$95,000 to >3,500 members in September 2024, the split was highly uneven. Top artists received over US$2,000, while others received as little as US$3.
Producer Charles Ayibeki
“Initially... I was told there were no royalties. After several follow-ups, they finally admitted there was a payout, but it was only US$5.60,” the songwriter revealed regarding his hit song.
ZIMURA, formed in 1982 to collect and distribute royalties, has increasingly faced accusations of failing its core mandate due to internal chaos.
The Avondale Flats Scandal
The crisis intensified in January 2026 over allegations involving the shady sale of two flats in Avondale, Harare. The transaction was forced into reversal after immense public backlash.
Fraud Convictions
The situation had been worsening since long-serving executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini stepped down following a June 2025 fraud conviction, creating a massive power vacuum.
Failed Defenses
Vice chairperson First Farai Batani had previously defended the association online, stating: “There is a functional system in place. It is unfortunate that some musicians demand more when their music is simply not being played.” The government's actions suggest otherwise.
The dissolution sparked varied reactions across Zimbabwe's arts sector. While many celebrated the reform, others expressed anxiety about the interim phase.
@Benard Music
“We don’t want them to be only fired. We want our money that they misused back. Tainzi topenga tichipopota... Ngavadzose mari yedu yese vapedza vosungwa.”
@Peter Harold
“Ok! What safety measures will happen while there is this transition. This doesn’t feel safe, who will police the interim... Let’s pray and hope for a total transformation and improvement.”
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