By Foster Benjamin, contributor
Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) recently engaged artists on a number of issues including that of blank media levy.
The meeting, which was held in Lilongwe, came barely two days after the copyright body announced that it would be relinquishing copyright responsibilities once Bill no two of 2025— Copyright (Amendment) — is assented to by the President.
The meeting focused much on black media levy distribution, with the copyright body highlighting that there was a need to remunerate performers under the related rights.
Cosoma Board Chairperson Bishop Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango said they intended to pay royalties for dancers featured in music videos as stipulated in the Copyright Act.
“Dancers and other performers are entitled to royalties but this has been silent for so long. Now, since we are a law-abiding institution, we want to start paying them but before that, we need to get your insights into the matter,” he said.
Mhango said music videos had long accrued royalties, prompting Cosoma to collect them from television stations.
Board members Ezaius Mkandawire and Anthony Dumbah stressed the need to remunerate dancers, music producers and other performers, saying it was their entitlement and that the payment of royalties is usage based.
Musician Saint said the development was welcome but called for transparency in the distribution of royalties.
“Transparency must be there on this issue and no strings should be pulled behind the scenes. Distribution must be fair at all cost but, minus that, there will be problems,” the ‘Una’ star said.
Filmmaker John Nguluwe said Cosoma needed to handle the issue cautiously to avoid brewing confusion among artists and supporting acts.
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