The funeral policy that was launched by the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association a few years ago is proving to be handy amid revelations that it has assisted in the burial of several artistes. Zimura saved the day when they provided funeral services and a casket to the late Chiwoniso Maraire when a raging family feud could have condemned the late mbira queen to a pauper's burial.

They also provided the vehicle that transported her body to her rural home in Chakohwa Village, Mutambara.

Zimura distribution and documentation manager Climate Munyikwa said Maraire was not the only musician they had assisted.

"After noticing that most of our artistes die paupers, we mooted the idea of starting a funeral policy for our artistes.

"We helped in the burial of Adam Chisvo. Every artiste who is registered with us automatically qualifies for the funeral plan," he said.

Munyikwa said the funeral plan covers all the funeral expenses and provides for transport within a 40

kilometre radius of Harare, except in special circumstances.

The funeral insurance comes as a shot in the arm of musicians since Zimbabwe is littered with examples of musicians who died virtual paupers.

One such example is that of the late John Chibadura, who literary struggled with medical expenses right up to the time of his death.

During his last days on earth, he was forced to sell almost everything he had acquired during his lifetime in order to pay for his medical bills as he was not covered by any medical insurance.

However, during the peak of his career he was making a lot of money from live shows and recordings.

He travelled as far afield as the Netherlands and the UK where he performed in front of thousands of fee-paying fans.

In Mozambique, he played in stadiums and had a minimum of 40 000 people attending each time he gave a concert. Yet he died in poverty and received a pauper's burial.