The popular musician was at the Harare Civil Court for a child maintenance hearing, where the mother of his six-year-old child is seeking financial support.

Courtroom Revelations

Under oath, Magacha presented figures that painted a stark picture of his earnings from music royalties. He told the court that for the entire year of 2024, he received a mere US$120 from the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA). This translates to a meagre 33 cents per day. 

Magacha asserted that his income is neither substantial nor consistent, stating that his sole source of livelihood is his work as a gospel artist, with no other formal employment or business ventures.

In an affidavit submitted to the court, he detailed his financial situation, claiming a total monthly income of approximately US$500. He highlighted that the US$120 from ZIMURA for the year was a single, annual payment for airplay monitored by the association.

 

The ZIMURA Payout Under Scrutiny

While the maintenance case itself drew attention, Magacha's revelation about the ZIMURA payout brought a long-standing issue within the local music industry to the forefront: the often-paltry royalties received by artists. ZIMURA's mandate is to protect musicians' rights and collect royalties on their behalf from various platforms, including radio and television airplay. 

Magacha's testimony raised uncomfortable questions about the effectiveness of royalty collection and distribution, particularly if a prominent artist like himself receives such a minimal amount. This suggests that lesser-known artists likely face even greater challenges in earning from their music rights.

 

Maintenance Order Handed Down

Despite the artist's claims of limited and unreliable income, the court ruled on the child maintenance amount. Sabastian Magacha was ordered to pay US$200 per month for the support of his six-year-old daughter. Reports also indicate he was ordered to cover half of the child's school fees, with the order effective from a date in June 2023. The maintenance obligation is set to continue until the child turns 18 or becomes self-sufficient.

 
The ruling has sparked public debate, with discussions ranging from sympathy for the child's welfare to a broader examination of the economic realities faced by musicians in Zimbabwe and the systems meant to support them.