The Zimbabwean music industry is often navigated "by ear," built on a fragile currency of reputation, WhatsApp handshakes, and optimism.
But for many, like rising Zimdancehall artist Public King and the outspoken M.G HKh, the gap between musical passion and professional protection is a chasm that can swallow careers whole.
For M.G HKh, the lesson was expensive. After paying for a song feature based on a verbal agreement, the collaboration stalled, and the money vanished into the digital void.
It is a story mirrored across the industry: young artists, recording in home studios with limited resources, relying on the goodwill of peers because the culture has "normalized" operating without legal safety nets.
In desperation, M.G HKh turned to the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura), the backbone of rights management for over 5 000 members.
What he discovered was a revelation: Zimura already possessed a collaboration agreement and contract form specifically designed to protect artists from such losses.
"I made a big mistake by not going to Zimura first," M.G HKh admitted. "I didn’t know they have a contract form that can protect an artist from losing money like I did".
While ZIimura maintains a detailed Dispute Resolution Procedure (DRP) to handle conflicts, critics argue the system is reactive rather than proactive.
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The DRP acts as a "fire brigade" that arrives after the damage is done, involving written complaints, held royalties, and potentially lengthy court battles.
The collaboration contract, however, is the "smoke alarm".
It defines terms upfront, creating a paper trail before a single note is recorded or a dollar changes hands.
M.G HKh is now leading a call for ZIMURA to make these forms publicly accessible and downloadable on their website, ensuring protection is a right, not a hidden secret.
This lack of structural support weighs heavily on emerging talents like Public King.
The 25-year-old Zvimba-born artist, inspired by the late Soul Jah Love, has spent years honing his craft—from dreaming of lyrics in his sleep to recording his first professional track, "Madzibaba," in 2022.
Despite his dedication, Public King highlights the "financial minefield" of the industry.
Costs for studio fees, marketing, and promotion remain major obstacles for young artists.
He consciously avoids "bubblegum music," striving instead for timeless messages that educate and inspire, yet he acknowledges that without a stronger support system, many artists are forced into financial struggle.
For both artists, the future lies in professionalisation and digital literacy.
Public King views social media as the ultimate tool for independent distribution, aiming to build a large-scale platform over the next five years.
Meanwhile, M.G HKh’s new single, DEMONS, reflects the mental and financial toll of navigating an unprotected industry.
His advocacy serves as a doorway for others: "Contracts and royalties are the same fight," he insists.
As the industry evolves, the message to young musicians is clear: passion is the engine, but protection is the shield.
The tools for survival exist—it is now up to the institutions to ensure every artist can reach them.
