High Court Reinstates ZIMURA Board Amid Ongoing Royalty Dispute Crisis

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) leadership crisis has taken a dramatic turn after the High Court reinstated the Alexio Gwenzi-led board, weeks after the Government dissolved it over allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and governance failures.

The ruling allows the board to resume duties while court proceedings continue, intensifying debate around Zimbabwe music royalties, governance, and transparency in the creative sector.

The Government had dissolved the ZIMURA board in April 2026 following mounting complaints from musicians over low royalty payouts and alleged maladministration. At the time, acting director Henry Makombe indicated that the secretariat would continue operations pending the appointment of an interim administrator by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

However, the High Court has now reinstated Alexio Gwenzi, First Farai Batani, and Evelyn Natsai Moyo to lead the organisation until the matter is finalised. In a statement, ZIMURA confirmed:

“The effect of this important Court result is that Alexio Gwenzi, First Farai Batani and Evelyn Natsai Moyo have been reinstated with immediate effect to continue to run the affairs of ZIMURA until the Court process is finalised.”

The association said the leadership remains committed to improving Zimbabwe's music royalties collection and distribution systems.

The dispute has been fuelled by growing frustration among artistes over what they describe as unfair royalty distribution. Music superstar Alick Macheso has been among the most vocal critics.

“The chaos at Zimura exists for a reason. Musicians do not make noise without cause,” Macheso said earlier this year.

Financial figures released by ZIMURA in September 2024 showed that about US$95,000 was distributed to more than 3,500 members, a figure many say reflects the broader challenges facing Zimbabwe’s music industry monetisation systems. Producer Charles Ayibeki highlighted the issue after reportedly receiving just US$5.60 in royalties for one of his songs.

“After several follow-ups, they finally admitted there was a payout, but it was only US$5.60,” he said.

The ZIMURA governance crisis has also been linked to internal disputes and past controversies, including a failed attempt to sell properties in Avondale, Harare, which drew backlash from stakeholders. The organisation was further shaken after former executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini stepped down following a fraud conviction in June 2025. Despite criticism, Batani has defended the system, arguing that payouts depend on airplay and usage.

“It is unfortunate that some musicians demand more when their music is simply not being played,” he said.

Analysts say the ZIMURA dispute highlights deeper structural issues within the Zimbabwe creative industry, including weak intellectual property enforcement, limited revenue streams, and a lack of transparency in royalty management. Creative economy expert Nyasha Madzima said the situation could undermine confidence in collective management organisations.

“Artists need to trust that their work is being properly monetised. Without that trust, the entire system begins to collapse,” she said.

Founded in 1982, ZIMURA plays a central role in collecting and distributing royalties for composers, authors, and publishers in Zimbabwe. With the High Court ruling now in effect, attention shifts to the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings, which are expected to shape the future of music rights administration in the country.

ZIMURA board reinstated