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The recently established Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) has pledged to uplift the lives of musicians.
This follows the setting up of funeral policy and medical aid schemes for its members across the country.
ZICCO CEO, Tafadzwa Masembura, said musicians have long suffered the shame of having to beg from well-wishers to pay for medical bills.
Some artistes would have received a pauper’s burial if not for the timely intervention of various benefactors.
“We have begun setting up funeral and medical cover for our members,” said Masembura.
“This is a gesture to say we are not here to fleece musicians but to safeguard their lives and restore dignity in how they are viewed in society”.
Masembura said his organisation will soon roll out income-generating projects.
“Plans are at an advanced stage to roll out poultry projects for our members,” he said.
“We are trying to make sure they earn a living beyond their music”.
ZICCO has been actively collecting royalties from event venues, bars, and restaurants on behalf of its members.
Late last year it disbursed cash royalties to its musicians.
ZICCO comes at a time similar copyright organization, Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) is being criticized for only disbursing paltry royalties collected from radio stations while those collected through venue licensing are not declared.
Masembura said his organisation complements already existing groupings.
“Our mandate is to serve our membership not necessarily to compete with other similar organisations,” he said.