HARARE – The legal dispute between Zimbabwean sungura musician Gift “Case” Amuli and fellow music industry figure First Farai Batani has officially come to an end after Batani withdrew the case in court on Tuesday, marking a significant de-escalation in a conflict that had gripped the country’s music sector.
The update was confirmed by Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) spokesperson Dereck Mpofu, who said the matter was formally concluded through the courts despite earlier indications of a settlement circulating on social media. Mpofu said:
“Good morning! Today (Tuesday) marks the official conclusion of the legal matter between First Farai and Gift Amuli. While the withdrawal was previously shared informally on social media, today the legal process was completed in court. A huge shoutout to Chipaz Promotions for the mediation that made this peaceful resolution possible. Unity is the big winner today!”
The case had drawn national attention after Amuli, a well-known sungura musician and ZIMURA board member, was arrested earlier this year and faced allegations of cyberbullying linked to a heated governance dispute within the music rights body.
At the time, Batani, a long-serving ZIMURA board member and disputed vice chairperson, had filed the report that led to Amuli’s arrest. The incident unfolded during a ZIMURA workshop at the Zimbabwe Music College, highlighting deep tensions within the organisation over governance, transparency and the handling of musicians’ royalties.
For many artists, the dispute represented more than a personal clash. ZIMURA is the institution responsible for collecting and distributing royalties when Zimbabwean music is played on radio, television, or in commercial venues. Any instability within the organisation directly affects the livelihoods of musicians who rely on those payments.
The controversy also exposed wider frustrations among artists who have long raised concerns about transparency, leadership disputes and how revenue collected on their behalf is managed.
Industry observers say the withdrawal of the case could help calm tensions inside ZIMURA and allow stakeholders to refocus on strengthening governance within Zimbabwe’s collective management system.
Crucially, mediation appears to have played a decisive role. Mpofu credited Chipaz Promotions for facilitating dialogue that ultimately paved the way for reconciliation between the two sides.
While the courtroom battle has ended, the underlying governance debates within ZIMURA remain unresolved, meaning Zimbabwe’s music community will continue watching closely as calls for reform, transparency and unity shape the next chapter of the organisation.
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