ZIMURA Is Dying: Alick Macheso Threatens To Quit Over Funeral Lies & Unfair Treatment Of Musicians

Zimura Is Staggering Towards Its Death: Macheso Slams Organisation Over Lies & Unfair Treatment Of Musicians

Zimura is staggering towards its death, Alick Macheso has declared, as he slammed the organisation over alleged lies and what he described as unfair treatment of musicians. The sungura legend said he is “embarrassed” by the turmoil rocking the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) and is now considering cancelling his membership.

According to The Sunday Mail, Macheso said the chaos at Zimura did not arise without cause.

“The chaos at Zimura exists for a reason. Musicians do not make noise without cause. I have been a member for years; if I wanted to be in leadership, I would have joined long ago but I have consciously let others do so.”

He added:

“My warning to those in power is that they should not abuse their office at the expense of the masses. This association does not belong to them — it belongs to every member.”

Royalty Row Sparks Outcry

The unrest follows a series of disputes, including a public notice issued on January 12, 2026, over the alleged illegal sale of two flats in Avondale, Harare. The transaction was later reversed after public criticism.

Tensions have also been fuelled by royalty payouts. In September 2024, Zimura distributed US$95 000 (approximately R1 805 000) to more than 3 500 members. While some top earners reportedly received over US$2 000 (about R38 000), others were paid as little as US$3 (around R57).

Sungura artiste Romeo Gasa reportedly received US$41 (approximately R779) for an album that won US$700 (about R13 300) in a ZBC competition.

Producer and songwriter Charles Ayibeki said he was paid only US$5,60 (about R106) for his song “Weru”.

He said:

“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.”

Ayibeki also claimed:

“They claimed it was classified as a ‘folk song’, hence the low figure. However, they still refused to disclose the total amount collected from radio stations before their deductions were made.”

Macheso added:

“An artiste is invited from as far as Bulawayo to collect royalties that do not even cover their bus fare. We do not know the criteria used.”

Funeral Claims And Leadership Rift

Macheso also criticised Zimura over the funeral of the late Madzibaba Nicholas Zacharia.

“They lie. We did not see those buses (that they claim they hired for Madzibaba’s funeral). My band and I had to hire a bus ourselves.”

He said he has been having “sleepless nights” over what he called the “Zimura war”.

“Zimura exists because of us artistes, but what is happening now is not what we signed up for. I am considering cancelling my membership. The association is staggering towards its death; it is going to the cemetery.”

Zimura’s executive director, Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, stepped down last month following a June 2025 fraud conviction.

Acting deputy director Henry Makombe told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that management was committed to transparency.

“Transparency is achieved by answering questions. As management, we are not threatening anyone; we are simply required to disseminate correct information.”

Vice chairperson First Farai Batani also defended the system in a video shared online.