Godwin Muzari
1 August 2009
HOSIAH Chipanga is threatening to take the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation to court after the country's sole broadcaster banned his latest album Hero Shoko from airplay.
ZBC recently admitted banning Hero Shoko on political grounds and Chipanga has now roped in the services of lawyers to challenge the public broadcaster's controversial move.
The musician's lawyer Panganayi Hare of Gutu and Chikowero recently wrote a letter to ZBC seeking an explanation on the matter.
ZBC responded on Monday promising to address the issue.
In a letter dated July 22, Hare says the veteran musician will seek legal redress if ZBC fails to resolve the issue immediately.
"You will note that as a public broadcaster with a virtual monopoly in broadcasting you do not yield an unfettered discretion on whose music and the content thereof you play," reads part of the letter.
"What Mr Chipanga has sought from yourselves is an explanation as to why you are denying him the right to express himself through music by means of a public broadcaster as yourselves.
"This you have refused to do.
"You will note that your conduct in this regard constitutes an infringement on our client's freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution.
"It is our instruction to seek audience with yourselves on the matter as this is an issue of grave concern to our client, seeing that lack of publicity on his latest work impedes on its marketability and availability to his fans.
"We trust you shall urgently attend to this matter, without us having to go the legal route and it is our belief that a round table conference will resolve this matter."
In its response ZBC said it would consider dialogue after scrutinising contents of the album.
According to the letter dated July 27, the broadcaster's company secretary Norman Mahori notes that there is need for them to have a close examination of the Chipanga's album before giving a complete response.
"Before we furnish you with a comprehensive response, we need to have a close examination of the contents of the album," reads the letter in part.
"As a public broadcaster, we are to observe certain moral and ethical issues which may arise from works of artists.
"After completing the above exercise, we will advise you whether there is need for dialogue. We will revert to you as soon as we have relevant details."
Hare said they were giving ZBC seven days to complete their "close examination" and give a comprehensive response, failure of which they would take the broadcaster to court.
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