The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has declared that all churches must now obtain licences for songs performed during services, saying that using other people’s compositions without permission amounts to copyright theft.
The announcement was made by ZIMURA spokesperson Alexio Gwenzi during an interview with broadcaster Oscar Pambuka on Burning Issues, aired on September 15, 2025, via earGROUND TV.
Churches Fall Under “Music Users”
According to Gwenzi, churches, cover bands, and event venues are considered “music users” under Zimbabwean law and must therefore pay licensing fees before performing copyrighted material.
“If you are an organisation, whatever organisation that you are, if you are going to perform another person’s intellectual property, you are infringing on their copyright and you should pay for it,” Gwenzi said.
“We license any business that is using music to push their business… broadcasters, hotels, lodges, restaurants, boutiques, and television stations. Anyone who uses music,” he added.
He revealed that some large churches already comply with the requirement, citing Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s UFIC church as an example.
Fees for churches generally range from US$30 to US$100 (R521–R1,736) depending on congregation size and level of music use.
Controversy Over Tariffs and Royalties
Onyima also addressed ZIMURA’s controversial cover band tariff introduced earlier this year, which required bands performing mostly other artists’ songs to pay US$150 (R2,604) per show.
Defending the law, Gwenzi stated:
“We create tariffs and deposit them with the Ministry… once stamped, we implement.”
On royalties, he explained: “We pay for usage of music. If your music is not being used, you can’t get anything.” He added that historical radio play rates stood between 7–12 cents per spin, and one of the highest earners recently received about US$5,000 (R86,787) in a distribution round.
Leadership and Membership
Gwenzi confirmed that Polisile Ncube-Chimhini remains Chief Executive of ZIMURA despite facing a fraud conviction in June 2025. While she was acquitted of forgery, she was found guilty of fraud, with her appeal process still ongoing.
He also highlighted the benefits for ZIMURA members, which include funeral cover, incapacitation allowances, and a support fund of US$500 (R8,679). Membership registration costs US$20 (R347).