ZIMURA blasted for hiking registration fees

The general feeling among Zimbabwean artists, music organisations and critics is that an increase in registration fees should only come after the collective management organisation (CMO) pays the royalties it has owed to artists since 2014.

However, ZIMURA executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini told Music In Africa that ZIMURA has been paying out royalties on an annual basis to artists who are able provide evidence of airplay. She also defended the decision to increase registration fees based on the volatile economic climate in the country.

“ZIMURA fees have only been increased once this year from ZW$150 to ZW$800 in tandem with the prevailing economic conditions," she said. "The previous increase was done in December 2018. ZIMURA operates in the same environment with other entities where prices of commodities go up overnight.

Ncube-Chimhini also broke down the expenses at play in the issuance of certificates to new members.

“Cartridges, bond paper, and so on, are now very expensive. One cartridge is going for above ZW$3 100 currently, yet it was around ZW$600 in February 2019. Service providers charge in US dollars, yet ZIMURA has no access to US dollars but pays through real-time gross settlement transfers.

"When members join they receive a membership card that costs ZW$300, a membership certificate costs ZW$150 and other expenses at $320. ZIMURA does not benefit from these fees. ZIMURA has 3 213 locally registered members and over a million international members. Members do not pay any subscriptions, only new applicants pay at the registration stage to become members.”

She said ZIMURA's members also benefited from a funeral policy and a gratuity payment for elderly members, both valued at ZW$5 000. In addition, members would receive free legal assistance and representation.

But the Zimbabwe Musicians Union condemned ZIMURA’s move to increase registration fees.

“The recent hiking of registration fees by ZIMURA has caused outrage by musicians all over the country," it said. "This is due to the fact that the collection society has failed Zimbabwean musicians for years now. Royalties owed go back to 2014 and 2015 and the money has since lost value. So why the sudden increase in registration fees for royalties you are failing to collect? That is the question from the majority of musicians. It is time we stand together for a better future and protect our copyright."

Zimbabwean jazz musician Edith WeUtonga believes that a registration hike cannot be warranted if the CMO has failed to pay royalties to its members.  

“Despite the price increase on basic commodities in Zimbabwe, I don't think anyone would be questioning the increase at the moment if they were delivering on their side, but they are not," she said. "And if since 2014 they failed to get the money artists are owed by the broadcasters, why haven't they sought an interdict to stop the music from playing on radio stations until the money has been paid?

“Who wants to join a society that has not been delivering to its members? Who wants to join a society that does not assure you that you are going to get your money? Who wants to join a society that does not justify why they are spending 40% on admin costs? I think the increase is ill-timed.

"Joining ZIMURA is like becoming a member so that their staff can get money to send their children to school while nothing goes to the musician. We are tired of explanations year in, year out since 2014 and how the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation [ZBC] has not paid.”

In May, Ncube-Chimhini appeared before Parliament's portfolio committee on information, publicity and broadcasting services in an effort to recover about $700 000 in unpaid royalties from the ZBC, which the public broadcaster has owed the CMO since 2012.

Ncube-Chimhini now says that the ZBC debt will be paid to ZIMURA after the two organisations had reached an agreement, although it is unlcear when the payment will be made.

“The ZBC owes ZIMURA in excess of ZW$700 000, some of the figures being estimations pending receipt of audited accounts," she said. "The ZBC and ZIMURA have a standing agreement for the liquidation of this debt. Other institutions are up to date with their payments.”

Like WeUtonga, Germany-based journalist and arts critic Plot Mhako had no kind words for ZIMURA after the decision to hike registrations was made public.

“The 433% artist registration fee hike by ZIMURA is not insensitive but wicked in the face of struggling artists who are not getting royalties from the same body in time, with some owed from as far back as 2014," he said. "I think its reflective of an incompetent, inept and bloated institution craving for urgent reforms. The increase is the third in a year amounting to 1 000%."

Rapper Noble Chadnezzer also weighed in: “ZIMURA has failed a simple mandate to collect revenue on behalf of the artists, so their existence is now an unnecessary cost to art. If you fail to collect money, then use 40% for admin costs and then have a 400% rise in registration, you are not only taking artists for fools but testing their patience, which has finally ran out.”