By Staff writer
IN a bid to protect his music and brand, musician, Ernest Kambadzo popularly known as Tanga wekwa Sando has barred cover bands from performing his music without his express consent.
This comes in the wake or an ongoing debate in the entertainment circles over the decision by the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) to introduce a performance licencing fee for all cover bands.
Cover bands are bands that thrive on performing popular songs by other artists at live events such as shows,weddings and corporate events.
ZIMURA recently announced that cover bands now require to pay a fee in order to be allowed to perform.
The fee is pegged at US$ 150 per show.
This has sparked debate amongst stakeholders in the entertainment sector.
However, Tanga wekwa Sando has taken matters into his own hands by prohibiting cover bands from performing his songs without his consent.
In a statement on Wednesday issued by the musician through ZIMURA, the ‘Wake’ hitmaker said:
“This communication serves to inform all cover bands,promoters, event organizers, conference organizers and corporates that permission to cover or perform Tanga wekwa Sando’s songs will only be granted through a written permit from Tanga wekwa Sando or his authorized representatives.”
He added: “Alternatively, you may negotiate with Zaggamusik, a record label owned by Tanga wekwa Sando to obtain an arrangement or agreement to perform his music.
“All cover bands are forbidden from performing Tanga wekwa Sando’s music without his explicit authority.”
