Stunner Blasts ZIMURA For Paying Artist Peanuts In Royalties

Zimbabwean rapper Stunner blasted ZIMURA and accused them of paying their artists peanuts. Following a shocking revelation that celebrated gospel artist Sabastian Magacha received a mere US$120 for an entire year’s worth of radio airplay and digital streams, a fresh wave of criticism has emerged.

Now, Desmond “Stunner” Chideme, the renowned UK-based rapper, has added his powerful voice to the dissent, openly questioning the purpose and effectiveness of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA). His fiery social media broadside comes at a critical juncture, as the association prepares to elect a new board of directors.

Stunner Blasts ZIMURA For Paying Artist Peanuts As Royalties

In a candid post that has since gone viral, the “Godo” hitmaker did not mince words, directly challenging the slate of sixteen candidates vying for a position on the ZIMURA board. He questioned whether those seeking office truly understood the gravity of the situation facing the artists they purport to represent.

ALSO READ: Chitungwiza Man Fakes Disability To Steal From Healthcare Workers

“With these elections that you want to hold for new board members, what exactly is their job?” asked Stunner.

He pointed to a perceived disconnect between the board and the grassroots struggles of musicians, citing a recent incident where a young performer was not paid for a gig. He expressed his frustration in the vernacular, stating,

“Takafirwa and no one came to aid (We were bereaved and no one came to our aid). You see struggling artists and you stay quiet… mota nemari dzamunopanana ndedzei? (The cars and money you share amongst yourselves, where do they come from?)”

ALSO READ: DStv Celebrates 30 Years with Free Premium Channels and Big Decoder Discounts

Stunner’s critique extended to a direct call for financial transparency, urging a full audit of the royalties collected from various businesses. He laid out a damning calculation for the public to consider:

“…17 radio stations, and after a year, an average artist is given US$50 to US$150. You collect money from supermarkets, shows, food courts, and other establishments, and a play constitutes about a minimum, let’s say, 75 US cents. Artists are struggling to earn US$200 a year?” He concluded with a stark warning in Shona, “Regerai vakomana, umwe anokuvara (Leave it, guys, someone is going to get hurt).”

The post Stunner Blasts ZIMURA For Paying Artist Peanuts In Royalties appeared first on iHarare News.