Zimbabwe Churches Ordered to Pay Licence Fees for Every Song Sung in Services

• Zimbabwe rules churches must buy licences or face copyright breach

• Fees range from US$30 to US$100 depending on congregation size

• Move brews fresh debate over music tariffs and royalties

The Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) has ruled that all churches must now obtain licences for songs performed during services, declaring that using compositions without permission amounts to copyright theft.

ZIMURA spokesperson, Mr Alexio Gwenzi, announced the directive during an interview with broadcaster Oscar Pambuka on Burning Issues, aired September 15 on earGROUND TV. He said churches, cover bands, and event venues fall under the category of “music users” in Zimbabwean law and are therefore required to pay before performing copyrighted material.

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“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 explained, adding that churches using music to drive services must comply like hotels, broadcasters, and restaurants.

Some large congregations are already observing the rule, including Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s UFIC church. ZIMURA stated that licensing costs generally range between US$30 and US$100, depending on church size and level of music use.

The decision comes months after the association introduced a controversial cover band tariff of US$150 per show, sparking outrage among performers. Gwenzi defended the process, insisting that tariffs are created, lodged with the Ministry, and only implemented after official approval.

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On royalties, he stressed that payouts depend strictly on usage, citing historical radio play rates of 7–12 cents per spin, with one recent top earner receiving about US$5,000 in a distribution round.

Despite controversy, Gwenzi confirmed that Mrs Polisile Ncube-Chimhini remains Chief Executive of ZIMURA, even after being convicted of fraud in June 2025, though her appeal is ongoing.

He highlighted benefits for registered members, including funeral cover, incapacitation allowances, and a US$500 support fund. Registration costs US$20.

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