Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Music Rights Association will on Tuesday next week run a Copyright awareness workshop at Mutare Hall. The seminar's objective is to enlighten participants as far as their intellectual property rights are concerned. It is being organised in conjunction with the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and will start at 8:30 a.m.
Zimura said they are expecting a large number of budding musicians to turn up in order to get knowledge about as well as get some insight into their music rights and everything that it entails. The Zimbabwe Republic Police as well as those who use music in the public domain are also expected to participate so that they become aware of their legal obligations.
"We are inviting all stakeholders and other interested parties to come forth in this workshop because its is going to provide a good platform for participants to appreciate why Zimura insists on them getting a Copyright music licence. During this workshop, we urge musicians to register all their works for effective and timely distribution of royalties. This is important because we have to be aware of all the works musicians compose, record or produce.
"Musicians should also note that payment of royalties is only to declared musical works such that artistes may accumulate royalties if that work is reported on by the media but the accrued benefits can only be paid out to the musician when their work becomes documented with Zimura.
“Royalties in respect of undocumented works are retained for a period of three years. If notification of the musical work is not received in the three year window period, then the amount is added back into the distribution pool for the current year," said Zimura in a statement.
The Mutare workshop is expected to draw participants from the Chimanimani Arts Festival Trust. Prominent musician Bob "The Headmaster" Nyabinde and dub poet Albert Nyathi will be some of the speakers at the event.
Similar workshops have already been held  in Harare and Bulawayo.