Tensions within the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association have escalated amid growing internal disputes that are now set to spill into legal action, exposing deep divisions within the organisation’s leadership.

The latest fallout centres on the election of Farai “First First” as Vice Chairperson, a position that had reportedly been eyed by fellow board member Gift Amuli. The appointment appears to have triggered a public war of words, with Amuli taking to social media to express his anger.

In a Facebook post, Amuli wrote in Shona: “Murume wekuba mari panhamo wozvipa chigaro kuita hushamwari nembavha,” loosely translated as accusing Farai of abusing funds and positioning himself through questionable means. The sentiments were echoed by Zimbabwean producer Lazzie T, who also launched a scathing attack online.

Lazzie T alleged that Amuli had been legitimately voted into the position at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) but was sidelined by Farai, whom he accused of manipulating the process. In his post, Lazzie T further accused Farai of dishonesty and theft, including claims related to a past fundraising incident.

However, Farai has dismissed the social media attacks and says the matter will be handled through legal channels.

Speaking to ZimNow in a phone interview, Farai said he would not engage in public exchanges with Amuli, adding that he had instructed his legal team to take action.

“We got our breakthrough in the music industry together with Amuli, so taking matters to social media tarnishes the brand, but it will be done in a legal way,” Farai said.

The current dispute adds to a growing list of governance issues that have plagued ZIMURA over the past two years. In 2024, the Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) demanded an urgent review of ZIMURA’s audit report, accusing both the organisation and its auditors, Baker Tilly Chartered Accountants, of serious ethical and procedural breaches.

ZIMURA president Edith Katiji alleged that the audited financial statements failed to comply with ZIMURA’s Articles of Association. She pointed out that the documents were signed only by board chairperson Albert Nyathi and executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, without the mandatory signature of the company secretary.

According to Section 59 of ZIMURA’s Articles, the company seal must be accompanied by the signatures of two directors and the secretary, a requirement Katiji said had been ignored.

More controversy erupted earlier this month when ZIMURA issued a public notice on January 12 seeking to clarify what it described as misinformation regarding the disposal of its Avondale properties. The association claimed it did not own an entire building, but only two residential flats within a larger property.

Instead of calming concerns, the statement triggered an internal crisis. A day later, three board members  Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara and Gift Amuli, publicly disowned the notice, calling it “unauthorised”.

The trio argued that, according to board resolutions, all official communication should pass through the Communications, PR and Strategy Committee, chaired by Mpofu, and that the statement had not been approved by the committee.

Their rejection of the notice has raised questions about leadership authority, internal controls and decision making processes at ZIMURA, further deepening the perception of a fractured board.