ZIMURA’s copyright awareness workshop empowers Midlands artist
By Dumisani Ndlovu
The Midlands copyright workshop hosted by Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) last week at Gweru Theatre was described by arts practitioners as an eye-opener.
The well attended copyrights awareness program saw over 100 artistes across genres and stakeholders in the creative industry gathering benefiting. The artists who were trained on crucial aspects of intellectual Property Rights hailed the organisation for the initiative saying it provides a new mechanism for artists to protect their livelihood from people misusing their artworks using new technology without permission.
The workshop aimed to educate participants on the importance of copyright in protecting their musical creations and ensuring they received fair compensation for their work.
“ We learnt a lot from the veteran artist and chairperson of ZIMURA, Albert Nyathi. I for one now know that today, if an artist slavishly copies another artist’s work, they could be found guilty of copyright infringement,” said Charton Nyoni.
Gospel Musician Adamson Jeketera said the workshop was quite beneficial not only to him but all artists.
“I appreciate the workshop made us work in unison toward achieving one goal. I anticipate collaborations and business networks. We are rearing to go professional,” said Jeketera.
Shurugwi Artists said the training concept was designed in participatory methodology and easy to follow.
“I for one benefit, in fact all artists benefitted a lot, the training manual and themes and chapters were easy to follow. Intellectual property is a complex subject but ZIMURA chairperson veteran artist Albert Nyathi managed to explain the intricacies of copyright law, breaking down complex legal concepts into simple and understandable language which was easy to follow, “said one artists who declined to be identified.
Henry Makombe the ZIMURA Deputy Director emphasized the importance of registering one’s music with the proper authorities to establish ownership and protect against infringement.
Seasoned artists and music producers such as Man-Souljah and Michael Sakala are some of the artists who actively participated and shared their success and ordeals in the music industry.
“Some of our music are stolen and used without permission, hence this workshop is very relevant and it is important to understanding and enforcing copyright laws at all cost.
Roseline Chirume the ZIMURA Head and Documentation Officer also spoke at length about the importance becoming ZIMURA members as they are capable of helping them register creative works and protect their intellectual property. Shepherd Sekenhamo from Central 95.8 FM urged congregants to avoid pirated and illegal content.
“As Radio broadcasters we are expected to refrain from playing pirated or illegally obtained music on our stations.” he said.
Victoria Nyanhete, know in the broadcasting circles as Dynamite from 98.4FM educated artists on the importance of respecting copyright laws and supporting art by purchasing their instrumentals from legitimate sources.
“It is our responsibility as conctent creators and broadcasters to raise awareness about the financial impact of copyright infringement on artists and the music industry as a whole. ” she said.
Side by side adhering to copyright laws and promoting legal sources of music, broadcasters can set a positive example for their audience and support the sustainability of the music industry.
ZIMURA Executive Director Polisile Ncube Chimhini emphasized on copyright limitations and exceptions which included fair dealing for the purposes of research, educational use, archival copies, parliamentary proceedings as well as reviews in news reporting.
