By 
The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has stepped in to immediately suspend controversial tariffs being levied by the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) on cover bands and event sponsorships.
A directive issued recently by the Chief Registrar of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property, orders ZIMURA to cease demanding a US$150 license fee from cover bands per event and 30% of total sponsorship from event organizers.
By Vongai Masuka
The directive, addressed to ZIMURA Board Chairman Albert Nyathi and Director Polisile Ncube Chimhini, cites the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act (Chapter 26:05), emphasizing that the Copyright Office has not yet approved any tariffs for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) for the year 2025, rendering ZIMURA’s 30% sponsorship demand “unprecedented.”
“It has come to our attention as the Regulator of Collecting and Societies registered in Zimbabwe according to the Copyright in Neighboring Rights Act (Chapter 26.05) that you are directing cover bands and did parties to pay a license fee of $150 and 30% of total sponsorship to your organization.
Please note that the copyright office is still seized with the approval of CMO’s tariffs of the year 2025 and 30% remittance of ZIMURA is unprecedented.” Reads the statement.
According to the statement, the suspension will remain in effect pending further consultations and a formal decision by the regulatory authorities.
“Henceforth in terms of section 111 of the above Act you are hereby directed to suspend the levying of the above cited tariffs until a determination has been made by the regulator in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders.
Section 111 of the Act empowers the Regulator to intervene in such matters. The Ministry’s directive mandates ZIMURA to suspend the cited tariffs until a determination is made by the Regulator following consultations with all relevant stakeholders.” Reads the statement.
Comments