WorldCup2022: SuperSportTV Using Chibadura Music
Chibadura family fuming over use of 'Mudiwa Janet's without approval
The family of the late musician John Chibadura is seeking compensation from South African broadcaster, SuperSport TV, for the use of his hit song “Mudiwa Janet” during its live coverage of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Chibadura’s children have reportedly approached the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) seeking legal advice after the broadcaster used the copyrighted song as a soundtrack for the FIFA World Cup without approval.
Chibadura’s son, Simba, who took over the band along with his siblings Knowledge and John Junior said that SuperSport TV did not pay them for using the song. He said:
“We listened to the sound with other family members and we were really shocked at how it ended up being used without our knowledge.
We took the matter seriously after receiving a call from ZIMURA officials that our father’s song was being used as a soundtrack and we are in the dark. Our eldest sister, Isabel, is the one who is handling the issue and she has since written a formal complaint to ZIMURA but is yet to submit it.
We really suspect it might be someone linked to Gramma Records who might have sold the beat. As it stands, we are still waiting to hear what ZIMURA will say once Isabel submits our complaint. We deserve to know how it has come to this point because our father worked hard to raise his profile.”
ZIMURA deputy director, William Munanairi, said they were willing to assist the Chibadura family. He said:
We have made contact with the family to come and have a meeting with us but they did not show up. It’s our responsibility to assist them so that they get clear answers.
Mr Chitungwiza, as John Chibadura was affectionately known by his fans, died aged 42 in 1999 and is one of the greatest musicians ever produced in Zimbabwe.
