Tanzanian Artists to Receive 2bn/- in Royalties in November

The Tanzanian government is set to distribute approximately 2bn/- in royalties to artists in November, collected through the country's copyright levy system. This distribution is part of the government's effort to return a share of the income generated by creative works to the artists and other rights holders. The distribution is expected to be marked by a major event bringing together artists and other players in the creative industry.

Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda announced that preparations for the distribution are already underway. He directed the ministry to make necessary arrangements for the payout, which will benefit artists who have been waiting for their share of the collected royalties. Makonda encouraged artists to get ready for the payout, emphasizing that the government is committed to supporting the creative industry.

The collected royalties are part of the country's copyright framework, managed by the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA). The framework aims to ensure that artists and rights holders receive a fair share of the income generated by their creative works. The government is also exploring ways to improve the copyright system to deliver greater returns to artists in the future.

Makonda noted that rapid changes in technology and the way people consume music have created gaps in the existing system. With the shift from CDs to digital formats such as flash drives, the government is seeking to update the system to capture new sources of revenue. This includes proposed amendments to sections of the law to reflect the changing creative and technological landscape.

The proposed reforms aim to build a system that allows artists to earn more consistently from their intellectual property. If successfully implemented, the royalty pool could grow significantly, potentially reaching 10bn/-, 20bn/-, or even 30bn/-. This would provide a stronger stream of income for artists and greater protection for their creative works.

The government is committed to supporting the creative industry and ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work. The November payout is a significant step towards achieving this goal. The ministry's efforts to update the copyright system will help to ensure that artists continue to benefit from their creative works in the future.

The distribution of royalties is expected to have a positive impact on the creative industry in Tanzania. With a stronger stream of income, artists will be able to focus on creating new works, contributing to the growth and development of the industry. The government's efforts to support the creative industry are expected to have a lasting impact on the country's cultural and economic landscape.

Key points

• The Tanzanian government will distribute 2bn/- in royalties to artists in November.
• The government is proposing amendments to the copyright law to reflect changes in technology and the creative landscape.
• The royalty pool could potentially grow to 10bn/-, 20bn/-, or even 30bn/- with successful implementation of the proposed reforms.