Fungisai Zvakavapano Raises Concerns Over Alleged Imitation Of Her Artistry

Gospel musician Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave has publicly criticised what she describes as the unauthorised imitation of her music, appearance and artistic identity, arguing that existing protections for creative work may not adequately address such disputes.

In a Facebook post, the singer said she had remained silent for some time in the interests of peace and Ubuntu but had reached a point where she felt compelled to speak publicly.

Zvakavapano alleged that other performers had copied elements of her songs, dancing, clothing and mannerisms and were using them commercially without her permission.

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She distinguished what she described as her experience from ordinary cover performances, arguing that the issue involved the replication of her broader artistic identity.

“It is not a cover, it is impersonation,” she said, alleging that her personality, music and creativity were being used to create what she considers unfair competition.

Cover Bands Draw Debate

Her comments come amid growing attention around Zimbabwean cover bands that perform popular songs from previous generations.

Groups such as Intotal Band have attracted audiences by performing established hits and securing corporate engagements, a development that has generated debate among original artists over the commercial use of their work.

Entertainment journalist Jonathan Mbiriyamveka, who has covered Zimbabwe's music industry for more than two decades, said many musicians had opposed Intotal's approach to performing cover versions.

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“Most artists are against Intotal’s strategy of performing cover versions. It has previously caused a social media furore,” Mbiriyamveka said.

Zvakavapano, however, suggested that her concerns extend beyond the performance of existing songs.

She alleged that a major bank had hired people who resembled her to perform in a manner similar to her own artistic presentation. She described the alleged conduct as impersonation rather than a conventional cover performance.

The allegations have not been independently established from the material provided.

Singer Questions Legal Protection For Artists

Zvakavapano said she had attempted to address the matter respectfully, including from the perspective of fellow Christians, but claimed those efforts had not produced a satisfactory response.

She questioned whether Zimbabwe's legal framework provides sufficient protection for artists whose identities and creative styles are allegedly reproduced for commercial purposes.

Among the laws she referenced were the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act and the Competition Act, as well as the common-law concept of passing off.

The singer used a hypothetical comparison with a bank to illustrate her argument, saying that a company could not simply adopt another bank's name, colours and uniforms and use them to attract customers while describing the act as a tribute.

Her comments raise broader questions about the distinction between lawful artistic influence, cover performances, commercial imitation and conduct that may amount to infringement or passing off. Determining whether particular conduct breaches the law would depend on the facts and applicable legal provisions.

Zvakavapano ended her post by urging lawmakers, the church, her supporters and critics to consider the issue from the perspective of artists whose creative identities they believe are being appropriated.

“Pfekaiwo bhutsu dzangu. Feel my pain.

Mateacher echirungu, garai pasi!” she wrote.