Breaking the Bias: The Struggle of Bulawayo Artists for Recognition in Zimbabwe's Music Industry

 

Report by Teddy Chief.

Bulawayo, the cultural capital of Zimbabwe, has long been a hub for aspiring

musicians, boasting an eclectic mix of genres that reflect the city's diversity and

artistry. But despite their talent and hard work, many local artists in Bulawayo feel

their music doesn't receive the recognition it deserves. Frustrated by what they see

as a bias towards their counterparts in the capital city of Harare, Bulawayo artists

are calling for a fairer deal. In this report, we delve into the current state of affairs

in the Bulawayo music industry, exploring the struggles artists face when trying to

break into the mainstream, and the urgent need for increased support and

recognition for this vibrant community of talented musicians. As the Zimbabwe

Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) continues to fight for the rights of musicians,

the need for increased support and recognition for Bulawayo artists has become

more urgent than ever.

Bulawayo artists in Zimbabwe face an array of challenges, from a lack of

recognition and support in the music industry to a biased preference for their

counterparts in the capital city of Harare. Additionally, upcoming artists are

struggling to find gigs, airplay, TV and radio ads that use their music, and brand

ambassador opportunities. Moreover, the ZIMURA provides a platform to advocate

for fair payment and compensation for their hard work in the music industry

ZIMURA, also known as the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association , is a collective

rights management organization based in Zimbabwe. Its primary function is to

protect and manage the rights of musicians and composers in Zimbabwe and

ensure that they are fairly compensated for the use of their music. ZIMURA also

provides education and awareness programs to help musicians understand their

rights and navigate the complex world of music copyright law. In addition, ZIMURA

works to promote the development of the music industry in Zimbabwe by

advocating for better policies and regulations that support artists and composers.

Zimbabwean artists are paid royalties by ZIMURA when their music is played on the

radio or other music platforms . The amount of royalties received by the artist is

determined by the amount of airplay their music receives, and ZIMURA is

responsible for tracking this usage and distributing payments accordingly. It is

important for artists to register with ZIMURA in order to receive their royalties.

As of latest, ZIMURA (Zimbabwe Music Rights Association) is an independent

organisation and does not receive direct funding from the Zimbabwean

government. However, the organization is recognized by the government and

operates under the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, which provides a legal

framework for the protection of intellectual property rights, including music.

Additionally, the government may indirectly support the organization through

policies and regulations that promote the development of the music industry in

Zimbabwe

ZIMURA generates revenue from various sources , including royalties collected

from radio and television broadcasters, live performances, and from music

distribution platforms. The organization also charges licensing fees to certain

businesses and organizations that use music in their commercial activities. These

fees are then used to pay the artists and composers whose music has been used.

Additionally, ZIMURA may receive funding or support from other organizations and

individual donors who believe in their mission to support the development of the

music industry in Zimbabwe.

The Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act of Zimbabwe provides a legal

framework for the protection of intellectual property rights, including music. Under

this act, artists and composers in Zimbabwe have the exclusive right to control the

reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their music. The act also

establishes the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) as the collective

management organization responsible for protecting the rights of musicians and

ensuring that they are fairly compensated for the use of their music. Overall, the

act is designed to promote the development of the music industry in Zimbabwe

and provide greater protection and compensation for artists and composers.

There are several ways that artists from marginalized places like Bulawayo,

Zimbabwe can gain brand recognition, gigs, airplay, and TV play. One way is to use

social media platforms to promote their music and connect with fans and potential

bookers. Artists can also collaborate with other artists and participate in music

festivals and events to expand their network and gain exposure. Additionally,

working with a reputable manager or booking agent who has connections in the

music industry can help artists secure more gigs and increase their visibility.

Furthermore, partnering with community organizations and local businesses can

also provide opportunities for performances and exposure. Finally, registering with

collective rights management organizations like ZIMURA can ensure that artists are

properly compensated for their work and receive royalties from the use of their

music.

I do not have access to the latest information on recognized booking agents for

artists, modeling, or acting in Zimbabwe. However, artists and performers can use

online resources, such as professional associations, industry publications, and

social media platforms to connect with potential managers and agents.

Additionally, attending music festivals and industry events can provide networking

opportunities and help artists and performers make valuable connections in the

industry.

~@calvinteddy Twitter