Fresh hopes as new music union is formed.

Fresh hope as new music union is formed
By Dumisani Ndlovu
After decades of social security decline, musicians all over the nation who were weighing whether to join or remain in dysfunctional music associations and unions have expressed fresh hope as a newly founded union emerges, spreads wings and forms structures throughout the country.

Speaking on the side-lines of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) meeting, in Gweru, scores of musicians in the Midlands Province said they have fresh hope emanating from newly founded ZIMU’s unique approach as demands for the provision of quality and standard remuneration packages, comprehensive legal and medical cover and Government Support on Performing Artists’ Job and Life Satisfaction grow.

Zimbabwe musicians has a new promising union, ZIMU after some previously established ones died a natural death due to various reasons.
“The workshop by ZIMU is a noble one, we have been waiting for this program for a long time. Remember we have tried to establish a vibrant union from 1995 to date to get a working union that really cares, that is properly informed and properly registered with the national arts council of Zimbabwe

“To ensure that out of the musicians’ passion to create a musical environment, we create a real industry and what the young people here has done bringing the union in Midlands and having a charter of the union in Gweru is very important,” said veteran Musician, Joseph Tawanda Nhara said.
Although it was only registered in JULY 2014, the ZIMU already had its first taste of success in late March 2022, stamping an international footprint by securing partnership with Musicians Union of Finland.

Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association Board Chairperson, Mavis Koslek said they see unions as the best way to combat wage inequality and poor working conditions.
Unionism is very important. No wonder why scores of seasoned and upcoming artists have piqued their interest in this union. “ZIMU has caused them to rethink what they deserve from their jobs ,’she said.

The Zimbabwe Music Union (ZIMU) is fronted by Edith Katiji well known as Edith WeUtonga who made history after she was appointed the vice president of the International Federation of Musicians (IFM), on 25 May 2021, a global body that represents the interests of musicians from close to 100 countries across the world. The Afro-jazz sensation, WeUtonga, has also become the first woman to achieve such a historic feat in the history of IFM, which was established in 1948 in Zurich, Switzerland.
The veteran artist was voted into the presidency at the 22nd Congress which was attended by 90 countries. Her tenure which runs for four years.

Zimbabwe has been a member of IFM for years and with the federations’ help and advice ZIMU has been making strides.
WeUtonga holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Music Development from SOAS University of London and a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Music Business, Musicology and Technology from the Midlands State University.

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