A street vendor was sentenced to 10 days in prison after being found guilty of publicly playing Shinsoman’s song Mai Devante.
ALLIEWAY NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Louis Khupe (21) was charged on his own plea of guilty for contravening C/S 59 (2) as read with section 59 subsections 5 of the Copyright Act Chapter 26:05 that is performing literary or musical works in a public place without the authority of the owner of copyright.
In passing his sentence Zvishavane magistrate Story Rushambwa said it should be known that public performance of musical works without the authority of the owner of copyright is illegal and such cases may have stiffer penalties to offenders.
It was the State’s case that on May 30 this year police detectives were on patrol and received a tip off that Khupe who resides at 63 Shu Shine Houses Mandava was performing literary music in a public place — that is Ruswa House.
The accused was playing Mai Devante a song by popular urban grooves and dancehall artist Shinsoman who is registered under Zimbabwe Musical rights Association for the administration of his copyright.
Khupe was not in a possession of a copyright licence that permits him to play musical works publicly as stated by the Copyright and Neighbouring Act Chapter 26:05.
