By Chisomo Phiri
The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) says it has launched a training program for artists and publishers in the country aimed at educating them on COSOMA’s operations and royalty distribution processes.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,COSOMA spokesperson, Catherine Mitungwi Chiumia,said their research revealed a significant lack of understanding among many artists regarding COSOMA’s operations and, specifically, royalty payments.
She said the training initiative aims to reach artists nationwide to highlight the benefits of COSOMA membership.
On his part,secretary of the Musicians Union (MUM) in Zomba District,Horace Kalembo, emphasized the importance of holding regular such meetings to raise awareness among Malawian artists about the organization’s benefits.
He also revealed that some radio stations continue to fail to remit royalties to COSOMA despite using artists’ work.
COSOMA is a parastatal organization established in 1992 following the enactment of the Copyright Act of 1989.
Its mandate is to promote and protect the interest of authors, composers, performers, producers of sound recording and broadcasters.
The society also collects and distributes royalties or other remuneration which may accrue to the rights holders for their rights.
It currently has over 18,000 members.
