“Artists Need One of Their Own”: Why Gift Amuli Is Emerging as a Credible Candidate for ZIMURA Chairperson

Sungura veteran Gift Amuli is emerging as a strong contender for ZIMURA chairperson, with artists calling for creator-led leadership, reform and transparency (image source)

Newly elected ZIMURA board member and Sungura veteran Gift Amuli has quickly become one of the names gaining traction in conversations about who should chair the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association. His reputation as a seasoned artist, his grassroots following, and his decade-spanning music career have prompted growing calls within the sector for an artist-led era at the country’s largest music rights body. “Artists need one of their own to lead this institution—someone who knows our struggles from inside the industry, not from behind a desk,” said a Harare-based producer who supported Amuli’s candidacy.

Amuli was voted into the new ZIMURA board during an election widely interpreted as a push for renewal. After years of royalty disputes, communication breakdowns and recurring allegations of opaque operations, members demanded leadership that could reconnect ZIMURA to the real needs of creators. “People voted for change and Amuli symbolises that change,” said a veteran session guitarist. “We don’t just need administrators; we need leaders who understand why royalties matter to a musician feeding a family.”

ZIMURA’s role in Zimbabwe’s creative economy is central: it licenses music use, collects royalties and distributes earnings to creators. Whoever chairs the board must balance rigorous governance with deep stakeholder trust—a combination that positions Amuli as a credible contender. Amuli’s artistic credentials are not symbolic; they are structural. With more than 20 years in the music industry, known popularly as Case, he has navigated the full spectrum of Zimbabwe’s performance landscape from township halls to national festivals. “He has lived the challenges that younger artists are facing today, especially unpaid royalties and event under-declarations,” noted a Bulawayo promoter. “That experience makes his advocacy more authentic than anything we’ve seen from past chairpersons.”

Because he has personally confronted the failings of royalty tracking systems, outdated licensing structures and uneven enforcement, Amuli carries an insider’s understanding of where reforms must begin. His public visibility also carries strategic value. A ZIMURA chairperson who commands national attention can amplify reform discussions, attract media scrutiny, and mobilise membership pressure for transparency.

Supporters argue that Amuli brings three critical strengths. Many creators believe an artist-chair would represent their experiences more accurately than a purely administrative leader. “We need someone who speaks our language—literally and figuratively,” said an upcoming rapper from Mbare. Amuli’s presence in growth points, rural concerts and indoor venues has given him a constituency far wider than elite Harare circles. As one DJ put it, “When Amuli talks about royalties, people listen. That’s leadership currency.”

Still, industry experts stress that popularity is not enough. A former ZIMURA administrator explained, “Chairing the board requires discipline—financial transparency, strategic planning, and the courage to publish uncomfortable truths about royalty income. If Amuli shows that discipline, he will be a formidable chair.”

If he aims for the chairpersonship, he must demonstrate:

• commitment to quarterly financial reporting;

• support for digital royalty tracking and automated cue sheets;

• professional collaboration with legal and technical officers;

• a roadmap for timely, predictable royalty payouts;

• conflict–resolution skills to stabilise ZIMURA’s often polarised membership.

Many in the sector believe that appointing a practising artist as chair would mark a decisive shift toward transparency and creator-centred governance. “We’ve tried everything else—maybe it’s time musicians themselves lead the fight for fair royalties,” said a Chitungwiza-based bass guitarist.

Gift Amuli represents a credible, grounded and widely respected option for ZIMURA chairperson. His artistic legitimacy, public profile and grassroots constituency give him a unique advantage—provided he backs them with strong governance, reform-driven leadership and transparent administration. If he pairs lived experience with principled management, Amuli could usher ZIMURA into an unprecedented artist-centred era of accountability, modernisation and trust.