Zimura Vice Chair Fires Back as Governance Row Deepens

Zimura vice-chair First Batani defends his election and rejects past allegations as governance disputes deepen over board elections, asset sales and leadership legitimacy (image source)

HARARE — Newly elected Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) vice-chairperson First Batani, popularly known as First Farai, has strongly defended his leadership position, dismissing criticism of his election as malicious, agenda-driven and rooted in personal vendettas rather than legitimate governance concerns.

Batani also rejected revived allegations connected to an alleged funeral contributions embezzlement case from more than a decade ago. He described the accusations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation rather than seek accountability. “People bringing up an issue from 15 years ago are cowards who are peddling lies,” Batani said, arguing that Zimura remains a professionally run collective management organisation governed by law and constitutional processes.

He maintained that both his election and that of chairperson Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi complied with quorum requirements and Zimura’s constitution, despite objections from a faction of directors. Batani accused Dereck Mpofu, Gift Amuli and Joseph Garakara of boycotting the elections and later launching a public relations campaign after failing to secure leadership positions. “In my capacity as acting chairperson, I personally invited them to attend the elections. They gave different excuses, then later emerged holding press conferences attacking us,” he said.

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Addressing claims that he sidelined Amuli from the vice-chair role, Batani said Amuli had been contesting the chairpersonship and that the initial vote ended in a stalemate. On the controversial sale of Zimura’s Avondale flats and allegations involving director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, Batani insisted procedures were followed and documentation exists. “The sale was done properly, and documents are available,” he said, adding that the alleged forgery case remains before the courts.

However, governance analysts argue Batani’s confrontational stance risks reinforcing perceptions that internal power struggles are overshadowing broader issues around transparency, asset disposals and leadership legitimacy. The dispute has escalated, with Zimura dismissing Mpofu, Amuli and Garakara — a move the trio has rejected as unlawful.

In a 22 January statement, the three directors described the recent board elections as a “phantom process” and accused the new leadership of colluding with the secretariat to consolidate power and block investigations into asset sales and financial governance. While current leaders insist all actions are lawful, the standoff has exposed deep divisions within the artists’ rights body, with observers warning the conflict now centres on whether Zimura ultimately serves musicians or those who control its structures.