COMMERCE MINISTRY APPROVES MUSIC TARIFFS – ESWACOS

MBABANE – The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) says the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has approved their proposed music tariffs.  Last year, this publication reported that ESWACOS had met with the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, to submit the proposed music tariffs. ESWACOS Executive Director Mmeli Hlanze has now revealed that the ministry has approved the music tariffs. He made this revelation during an interview with this publication when asked about their plans for this year. “The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has approved the music tariffs; we plan to begin music licensing.
“We will be issuing licences to users of music works such as broadcasters, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, festivals, concerts, shopping centres, supermarkets and others to ensure that they use the works legally,” Hlanze said.  He further revealed that they plan to begin registration in the first quarter of this year.

Eligible

“We plan to begin the registration of eligible copyright works on behalf of our members and maintain the database of registered works and members. We plan to share information about registration requirements and processes within the first quarter of this year and begin registrations shortly thereafter,” he said. One of ESWACOS’s mandates is to register creators, authors, composers, performers and other rights holders as members, providing them with the necessary support and representation regarding their copyright. Hlanze further revealed that they are now in the final stages of concluding the music tariffs. “We are now in the tail end of finalising the music tariffs, which will be used to licence the usage of music in public,” he said.

Last year, ESWACOS hosted a two-day workshop at SibaneSami Hotel, where they educated creatives about the Copyright Act. He said this year they will continue to empower creatives with such initiatives to boost their knowledge about the Act. “We plan to host quarterly educational programmes, workshops and seminars throughout the year to educate right holders about copyright management, licensing and legal rights. Furthermore, we will conduct campaigns to raise public awareness about copyright laws and the importance of respecting the rights of creators and right holders,” he said.  

Talented

Talented musician Ace Julz, who recently released a collaboration with Wassabee titled ‘For the Kulture’, attended last year’s ESWACOS workshop. When informed that the Ministry of Commerce has approved the music tariffs, he said he is happy that they are finally on board. “It’s a step in the right direction now that the ministry is finally on board with everything. Artists are now getting to benefit from their craft. A lot of people have seen our careers as a hobby; I am glad now that we are finally going to get paid for our work,” he said.  
‘Fezeka’ hitmaker Eimsofly is another creative who attended the workshop last year. He also applauded the approval by the Ministry of Commerce. “As a creative who attended the workshop last month at SibaneSami, I have to say these are great news. We are used to always talking about copyright issues in the country without end results.

Benefits

“A big shout out to Mr Hlanze for fighting for the arts, not just music alone. My hope is that our industry truly grows from these benefits, and the audience shall witness a great improvement as far as production is concerned. “To every artist, make sure you register, and let’s bring this industry to life. Let’s do this for our children and grandchildren,” he said.

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