BWgovernment COSBOTS TO COLLECT ROYALTIES FOR ALL MUSIC PLAYED IN BOTSWANA BOPA report by Moitshepi Ramarula The Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) will collect royalties for all music played in Botswana, including that of foreign artists. The chief executive officer (CEO) of COSBOTS, Thabo Mokobi said in an interview that they have reciprocal agreements with other copyright organisations in foreign countries. Mokobi said they already had an agreement with Music Copyright of Kenya. He further highlighted that the same privilege of collecting royalties would benefit local artists whose music will be played in those foreign countries. Already, he said they had registered around 932 local artists while some were still enquiring about registering with the organisation. Mokobi further said COSBOTS had entered into agreement with three local public broadcasters adding that they are currently negotiating with other two broadcasters, hotel chains and retail chain stores. He explained that royalties would be paid according to level of usage; hence essential users’ rates will be calculated differently as compared to incidental users: “In case a retail store plays RB 2 station, we will use that station’s log sheet and if they have CD’s or cassettes, royalties will be distributed to those artists.” Mokobi highlighted that royalties collected will be distributed equally between local and international artists, noting: “Royalties will be paid to up to 50 years and if an artist is deceased, a beneficiary determined by the artist will receive those royalties.” He pointed out that an artist will be required to register their entire backing artists who assisted in compiling the songs. “A songwriter will get a high percentage of the royalties in case the group is defunct and the rest will be distributed to amongst those group mates.” Mokobi highlighted that a lot of local artists cry foul that their music is not getting enough air play; a situation which he said is not under their control. He said they are currently working on a portfolio, which they will use when approaching relevant stakeholders in trying to assist the artist.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 06:10:44 +0000
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