Zimbabwe Government Dissolves Zimura Board Amid Financial Scandal
The Government has dissolved the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) board over poor financial transparency, in a dramatic move that follows months of complaints, internal disputes, and mounting pressure from musicians.
The board, chaired by Alexio Gwenzi, was disbanded as authorities stepped in to restore order at the organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to Zimbabwean musicians.
Speaking to The Herald, acting ZIMURA director Henry Makombe confirmed the development on April 9, 2026, saying operations would continue while authorities appoint a new leadership structure.
“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,” Makombe said.
The decision comes amid long-running concerns about financial transparency and governance within the organisation.
Musicians Raised Alarm Before Dissolution
The dissolution follows weeks of public criticism from leading musicians, including sungura legend Alick Macheso, who earlier warned that the association was in turmoil.
On March 1, 2026, Macheso expressed frustration over what he described as chaos and lack of transparency within ZIMURA.
“The chaos at Zimura exists for a reason. Musicians do not make noise without cause,” said Macheso.
“This association does not belong to them — it belongs to every member.”
Macheso also criticised how royalties were distributed, saying some musicians were receiving very little despite their music being widely played.
According to figures released in September 2024, ZIMURA distributed US$95,000 (approximately R1,748,000) to more than 3,500 members.
However, while some top artists received over US$2,000 (approximately R36,800), others reportedly received as little as US$3 (approximately R55).
Producer and songwriter Charles Ayibeki said he received just US$5.60 (approximately R103) for his hit song.
“Initially, when I called, I was told there were no royalties collected for my songs. After several follow-ups, they finally admitted there was a payout, but it was only US$5,60,” he said.
Macheso also questioned the fairness of the payout system.
“An artiste is invited from as far as Bulawayo to collect royalties that do not even cover their bus fare,” Macheso said.
Leadership Crisis Deepened
The crisis intensified following allegations involving the sale of two flats in Avondale, Harare, in January 2026. The transaction was later reversed after public backlash.
The association was also rocked by internal divisions among board members and leadership disputes.
The situation worsened after long-serving executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini stepped down following a June 2025 fraud conviction.
Her departure reportedly created a power vacuum within the organisation.
ZIMURA, formed in 1982, is mandated to collect and distribute royalties for composers, authors and publishers.
However, musicians have increasingly accused the organisation of failing to fulfil its core mandate.
Vice chairperson First Farai Batani previously defended the payment system.
“There is a functional system in place,” Batani said in an online video.
“It is unfortunate that some musicians demand more when their music is simply not being played.”
Despite these assurances, pressure continued to mount, culminating in the Government’s decision to dissolve the board.
Authorities are now expected to appoint an interim administrator before a new board is constituted.
For now, ZIMURA’s secretariat remains operational as the sector awaits the next phase of leadership.
No further details on the timeline for appointing the new board were immediately available.
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