By Evans Dakwa
Under scrutiny organization, the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association ZIMURA has added fuel to a raging fire by critics who accuse it of exploiting artists. This comes after the organisation released a statement seemingly celebrating its disbursement of US$500 to Sungura legend Nicholas Zakaria.
In the statement, ZIMURA says it “has aprovided a much-needed incapacitation allowance to renowned Sungura musician Nicholas Zakaria, affectionately known as “Madzibaba.”
According to the release, the payment aims to assist with his medical bills as he faces health challenges that have prevented him from performing and supporting his family.
The payment comes after ZIMURA representatives r visited Zakaria, who has been a member of the organization since 1990, to present this one-off payment.
ZIMURA goes on to celebrate the payout adding,” This initiative underscores ZIMURA’s ongoing commitment to its members’ welfare, extending support beyond just copyright protection.”
Who the gesture by ZIMURA seems noble, critics have been questioning what happens then when the money is exhausted. Does a 500 dollar once off payment sustain a musician who has been a member for 35 years.
One individual clearly not chaffed by the payment said: “They shouldn’t have published that long letter for $500.”