ZIMURA Intervenes As Fungisai Zvakavapano And Mono Mukundu Copyright Row Intensifies
ZIMURA has backed Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave in the growing copyright dispute involving veteran guitarist and producer Clive “Mono” Mukundu, while raising fresh questions about licensing, royalties and the commercial use of Zimbabwean music.
The development comes after days of public exchanges between Fungisai and Mukundu. On 9 September 2026, ZIMURA issued a detailed statement addressing the wider controversy surrounding In Total, Legends Night and the use of works belonging to Zimbabwean composers.
The Herald reported on 9 September that the dispute between Fungisai and Mukundu had intensified over their respective contributions to music they worked on together.
ZIMURA challenges US$150 licence claims
One of the key issues raised by ZIMURA is a US$150 licence. ZIMURA said the receipt circulating online related to a single event and did not provide unlimited permission for future commercial performances.
The organisation stated:
“The licence in question related to one specific event and was valid for that particular event and one day only.”
ZIMURA said the licence did not amount to a blanket authorisation to reproduce, record, distribute or commercially exploit Zimbabwean musical works.
The issue is particularly significant because Mukundu has publicly defended cover bands and criticised ZIMURA’s handling of the controversy surrounding In Total Band.
Mukundu argued the US$150 tariff was introduced for cover bands and described the controversy surrounding In Total as blown out of proportion.
Fungisai receives backing over music rights
ZIMURA’s statement then directly addressed Fungisai’s position, confirming that she remains a member of the organisation and is entitled to protection of her intellectual property.
It stated:
“ZIMURA is therefore in full support of Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave’s right to assert, defend and protect her intellectual property.”
The organisation also said it had no record of royalties being remitted specifically to Fungisai from the commercial exploitation of her works by In Total.
ZIMURA further said it had not received royalties from the ECOBANK Legends Night tours.
Mono Mukundu dispute takes new turn
The timing of the statement is significant. On 8 September, Mukundu publicly accused Fungisai of forgetting their documented working history, while Fungisai disputed his contribution to parts of her catalogue.
Mukundu has said their professional relationship began in 2001 and included several albums and performances.
ZIMURA’s latest intervention does not determine the competing claims over individual production credits. Instead, it focuses on copyright ownership, licensing, and composers’ rights.
The organisation also warned that social-media commentary and individual receipts should not be treated as substitutes for proper copyright clearance.
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