Government Stops ZIMURA’s Unapproved Cover Bands Tariff Demands Before Legends Night

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has once again found itself at the centre of a growing controversy after issuing a stern letter to Ecobank ahead of the highly anticipated Ecobank Legends Night Concert set for Sunday, April 6, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

By Plot Mhako

In a formal letter addressed to the bank, ZIMURA raised concerns about Ecobank’s sponsorship of cover bands set to perform during the concert. The association warned that such sponsorships could lead to copyright infringement if appropriate licenses and permissions are not secured in accordance with the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act (Chapter 26:05).

“Mic check… ZIMURA silenced. The Ministry steps in, and the Ecobank Legends Night show goes on!”

ZIMURA demanded that 30% of Ecobank’s sponsorship be allocated to licensing fees and royalties for the use of copyrighted music. “As a reputable financial institution, your sponsorship of this event may inadvertently associate your brand with copyright infringement,” wrote Servious Matiza, Head of Licensing at ZIMURA. The letter further urged the bank to meet urgently with ZIMURA to avoid any legal complications that could lead to a restriction on the use of copyrighted material during the event.

Last week the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Director Napoleon Nyanhi made a written directive to suspend the $150 per performance cover band fee pending further consultations but ZIMURA issued a statement in defiance and continued to enforce the fee.

The timing of the letter — just days before the concert — has raised eyebrows, especially considering the long-standing success of the Legends Night series, which often pays homage to iconic music from both local and international artists.

However, in a swift and decisive response, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, through the Office of the Chief Registrar of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property, issued a directive to ZIMURA halting its demand.

“It has come to our attention… that you are directing cover bands and third parties to pay a license fee of US$150 and 30% of total sponsorship to your organization,” wrote W. Mushayi, on behalf of the Chief Registrar. “Please note that the Copyright Office is still ceased with the approval of all CMOs tariffs for the year 2025, and the 30% remittance to ZIMURA is unprecedented.”

Citing Section 111 of the Copyright Act, the Ministry directed ZIMURA to immediately suspend the levying of such tariffs until a formal determination is made in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

The ministry’s intervention signals a significant blow to ZIMURA’s current enforcement approach, particularly its attempts to collect fees from third parties such as corporate sponsors. It also raises questions about the oversight and regulation of Collecting Management Organizations (CMOs) in Zimbabwe and how tariffs are being set and communicated.

For now, the Legends Night Concert is expected to proceed as planned, with fans and sponsors alike relieved by the Ministry’s clarification. Meanwhile, ZIMURA is left to reconsider its strategy in enforcing copyright compliance without alienating key partners in the music industry.

As tensions rise between copyright watchdogs and event sponsors, one thing remains clear — the need for clear, regulated, and transparent frameworks that protect the rights of creators without stifling the very platforms that celebrate their work.