- The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has declared that churches must obtain licences before performing songs during services, warning that unlicensed use of music amounts to copyright theft.
- Spokesperson Alexio Gwenzi said fees range from US$30 to US$100 depending on congregation size, with some big churches like Prophet Makandiwa’s UFIC already complying.
The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has announced that all churches must now obtain licences for songs performed during services, warning that using other people’s compositions without permission amounts to copyright theft.
Speaking on Burning Issues with Oscar Pambuka on September 15, spokesperson Alexio Gwenzi said churches, cover bands, and venues are “music users” under the law and must pay licensing fees before performing copyrighted works.
“If you are going to perform another person’s intellectual property, you are infringing on their copyright and you should pay for it,” he stated, noting that fees for churches range from US$30 to US$100 depending on congregation size. He revealed that some big churches, such as Prophet Makandiwa’s UFIC, already comply.
ZIMURA recently stirred debate with a US$150 tariff for cover bands, but Gwenzi defended the policy, saying tariffs are approved by the Ministry before implementation. On royalties, he explained: “We pay for usage of music. If your music is not being used, you can’t get anything,” citing top payouts of about US$5,000.
He also confirmed that CEO Polisile Ncube-Chimhini remains in office despite a June 2025 fraud conviction under appeal, while highlighting member benefits such as funeral cover, allowances, and a US$500 support fund.
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