LOW RELEASE RATE IN LOCAL MUSIC – ESWACOS SURVEY

MBABANE – The recent online survey conducted by the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) has revealed that there is a low release rate of local music.
The online survey further garnered significant attention, receiving over 250 responses, from music creators across the country. This initiative aims to shed light on the local music landscape, revealing critical insights about the demographics and practices of music creators such as singers, songwriters, musicians, producers, arrangers, publishers, and record label owners in Eswatini. A notable majority of the respondents are aged between 21 and 30 years, which indicates a youthful demographic actively engaged in the music industry in Eswatini.
The survey also highlights a concerning trend: Over 50% of the participants have released fewer than 10 songs commercially, throughout their careers.

“This low release rate may stem from various factors, including the high costs associated with music production and limited access to resources necessary for creating and promoting music. One of the ways in which music production and promotion can be stimulated is through the collection and distribution of royalties, which would give artists the resources needed to create and release music, and enable them to earn a sustainable income through their creations,” reads a statement released by ESWACOS. Alarmingly, more than 80 per cent of respondents reported their music has been used or played publicly. This statistic underscores the urgent need for ESWACOS to expedite the licensing of music usage, collecting and distributing royalties to artists.

Without proper licensing, music creators and rights-holders risk losing out on potential royalties from public performances, which could significantly impact their livelihoods.
The survey’s findings emphasise the necessity for all music creators and rights holders in Eswatini to participate. By contributing their voices and experiences, they can help paint a more accurate picture of the music industry, which is essential for developing effective strategies, to support and empower local artists.ESWACOS Executive Director, Mmeli Hlanze, reiterated the importance of this survey, citing it will help them to understand the needs of creators. “The data collected will help us better understand the size and needs of music creators and rights-holders in the local music industry.”

This information is vital for designing membership registration strategies and capacity-building programmes, that cater to the specific needs of artists, producers, and music companies in Eswatini,” Hlanze said. ESWACOS encourages all members of the music industry, whether you’re a songwriter, poet, rapper, singer, musician, music producer, arranger, music publisher, or record label owner, to participate in this crucial survey and share it within their networks.

Equipped

The more comprehensive the data collected, the better equipped ESWACOS will be to advocate for the rights and needs of music creators in Eswatini. Participants can access the survey online using this link: https://tinyurl.com/ESWACOS1. In conclusion, the survey represents a pivotal step toward fostering a thriving music industry in Eswatini, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for their work and that their contributions to the cultural landscape are recognised and valued. All music creators are urged to take part in this important initiative, to help shape the future of music in Eswatini.

 About ESWACOS:
The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) is an umbrella Collective Management Organisation (CMO) in Eswatini dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the economic interests of copyright holders across various creative industries. ESWACOS operates under the mandate granted through the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, Act No. 4 of 2018, which establishes ESWACOS as the sole organisation responsible for the administration of copyright and neighbouring rights in Eswatini. Their mission is to generate substantial economic value for rights holders, both domestically and internationally, through comprehensive registration and licensing of their works. They are responsible for the collection and distribution of royalties, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works.
 

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: