Battle Over Gomo Ramasare, Ngoro Yeminana - Joyful Praise Choir in Copyright Dispute

In the vibrant music scene of Zimbabwe, a storm has been brewing, pitting two of the country’s most revered music groups against each other in a bitter copyright dispute. 

The internationally acclaimed Joyful Praise Choir, known for their soulful gospel melodies, finds itself at the center of a controversy involving the legendary Zig Zag Band. The heart of the matter is the alleged infringement of Zig Zag Band’s 1987 hit song "Gomo Ramasare" by Joyful Praise Choir’s 2018 track "Ngoro Yeminana." 

This dispute has not only led to the removal of Joyful Praise Choir’s song from YouTube but has also sparked a broader discussion on copyright laws and the protection of artistic works in Zimbabwe.

The Origins of the Dispute

To understand the depth of this dispute, it is crucial to delve into the history of both songs. "Gomo Ramasare," released in 1987, is one of the most iconic songs by the Zig Zag Band, a group that dominated Zimbabwe’s music landscape in the 1980s. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s influence and the timeless appeal of their music.

On the other hand, "Ngoro Yeminana," released by Joyful Praise Choir in 2018, was a hit single that resonated with fans across the country. 

Joyful Praise Choir Embroiled in Copyright Dispute

However, according to Misheck Donovan Chikamba-Chiyangwa, the agent for Zig Zag Band and son of one of the band’s founders, Fabian Chikamba Chiyangwa, "Ngoro Yeminana" contains lines that were directly taken from "Gomo Ramasare".

The Path to Conflict

The dispute began when Zig Zag Band’s representatives reached out to Joyful Praise Choir to address the alleged copyright infringement. In 2022, Chikamba-Chiyangwa contacted Rudo Madindi, the lead vocalist of Joyful Praise Choir, to discuss the issue. Initially, Madindi agreed to a meeting but later changed her mind, leaving the matter unresolved.

Despite these initial attempts at a resolution, Joyful Praise Choir remained unresponsive. This lack of engagement prompted Zig Zag Band to take more formal action. Chikamba-Chiyangwa explained, "As Zig Zag family, comprising biological children and siblings of the original Zig Zag band members and the current Zig Zag band, we agreed to take the issue of copyright infringement seriously. We started by initiating the pulling down of their videos from YouTube".

The Consequences of Inaction

The failure to resolve the issue amicably led to a series of actions that have had significant consequences for Joyful Praise Choir. The removal of "Ngoro Yeminana" from YouTube was just the beginning. Videos by other artists that featured the song were also taken down, including one by Plot Mhako, who later reached out to Chikamba-Chiyangwa in an attempt to have the video reinstated.

This public fallout has brought the matter to the attention of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, an organization tasked with protecting the rights of musicians in the country. The involvement of this association underscores the seriousness with which copyright infringement is treated in Zimbabwe’s music industry.

Expert Analysis and Reactions

To gain a deeper understanding of the implications of this dispute, we spoke with several experts in the field of music law and industry professionals.

"Copyright infringement is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for both the infringing party and the original creators," said Tafadzwa Mugabe, a music law expert based in Harare. "In this case, the failure of Joyful Praise Choir to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Zig Zag Band has led to a public and potentially damaging conflict."

Mugabe continued, "The use of elements from another song without permission is a clear violation of copyright laws. It is essential for artists to understand the importance of seeking permission or licensing when using material that is not their own."

The Broader Impact on Zimbabwe’s Music Industry

This dispute highlights a broader issue within Zimbabwe’s music industry: the need for greater awareness and adherence to copyright laws. The country’s rich musical heritage is built on the works of legendary bands like Zig Zag Band, and protecting these works is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the industry.

"Copyright laws are in place to protect the creative rights of artists," said Albert Nyathi, a renowned Zimbabwean musician and advocate for artists’ rights. "When these laws are ignored, it not only affects the original creators but also undermines the entire industry. It is imperative that artists respect each other’s work and adhere to the legal frameworks that govern our profession."

The Battle Over Gomo Ramasare and Ngoro Yeminana - Joyful Praise Choir Embroiled in Copyright Dispute

The dispute between Joyful Praise Choir and Zig Zag Band serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting copyright laws. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that artists, producers, and other stakeholders understand and comply with these laws to avoid similar conflicts.

For Joyful Praise Choir, the road ahead will likely involve a thorough examination of their creative processes to ensure that all future works are original or properly licensed. For Zig Zag Band, the successful enforcement of their copyright rights is a victory not just for themselves but for all artists who have seen their work misappropriated.

As this matter continues to unfold, it is clear that the outcome will have significant implications for Zimbabwe’s music industry. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of artistic works and to foster a culture of respect and compliance with copyright laws.

In the words of Chikamba-Chiyangwa, "We hope that this situation will serve as a lesson to all artists to respect the intellectual property of others. It is only through such respect that we can ensure the continued growth and integrity of our music industry."

As readers, we are left to ponder the importance of copyright laws and the impact they have on the creative community. The story of Joyful Praise Choir and Zig Zag Band is a reminder that in the world of music, respect for one another’s work is not just a moral imperative but a legal necessity.