By Lossani Maziko Chiwaya:
Music is more than entertainment; it is one of the most valuable forms of intellectual property (IP) that contributes significantly to economic growth, cultural identity and national development.
Across the world, countries are increasingly recognising the creative industry as a driver of innovation, employment, tourism and foreign exchange earnings.
Malawi is no exception. Through music, Malawian artists promote the country’s culture internationally, represent its values and contribute to the economy through live performances, digital streaming and other commercial activities.
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Artists invest considerable time, talent and financial resources in producing music, whether gospel or secular, with the expectation of earning returns through royalties and other income streams.
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Royalty payments are not merely financial rewards; they are incentives that encourage creativity, innovation and the continued production of artistic works.
When artists receive fair compensation for their intellectual property, they are motivated to create more content, improve quality and compete on both local and international platforms.
The creative industry also plays a crucial role in national development. Successful musicians generate foreign exchange through international performances, digital music sales, licensing agreements and streaming platforms.
These earnings contribute to the economy while creating employment opportunities for producers, sound engineers, videographers, marketers, event organisers and others who depend on the music value chain.
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Protecting intellectual property, therefore, is not only about safeguarding artists’ rights but also about strengthening Malawi’s economic future.
However, an important question remains: Do artists fully understand how royalties are distributed? Are emerging artists adequately informed about copyright, royalty collection and intellectual property rights?
These questions have become more relevant following recent public discussions surrounding the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma).
After royalty distributions were announced, several artists questioned the criteria used to determine the amounts they received.
Such concerns suggest that many rights holders may not fully understand the royalty distribution process.
If this is the case, it highlights the need for stronger public education and stakeholder engagement rather than assumptions that everyone understands the system.
Transparency and communication are essential for any institution entrusted with managing public confidence.
While Cosoma has the right to clarify misconceptions, the manner in which communication is delivered also matters.
Some responses posted on the organisation’s Facebook page, including statements such as ‘COSOMA si YouTube, Cosoma si Spotify’, were perceived by many members of the public as informal and dismissive.
Whether or not that was the intention, such responses risk shifting attention away from the genuine concerns being raised.
When artists ask questions about royalty distribution, they are not necessarily challenging the institution; they are seeking understanding.
Their concerns deserve clear, professional and educational responses that strengthen trust in the copyright management system.
Effective crisis communication requires institutions to listen, explain processes transparently and engage stakeholders respectfully, particularly when public confidence is at stake.
Failure to address these concerns adequately may have long-term consequences. Artists who lose confidence in the royalty system may become discouraged from investing in new creative works.
This could reduce artistic production, weaken Malawi’s competitiveness in the global creative economy, limit employment opportunities within the sector and ultimately affect national economic growth.
Moving forward, Cosoma and artists should strengthen their partnership through continuous civic education on copyright, intellectual property rights and royalty distribution.
Workshops, public awareness campaigns and regular stakeholder engagements would help artists understand how royalties are calculated, the criteria used for distribution and the steps they can take to maximise earnings from their creative works.
Intellectual property should be recognised as a national development asset deserving of protection and professional management.
A transparent and accountable royalty system not only builds trust but also inspires greater creativity, investment and innovation within Malawi’s creative sector.
When artists are confident that their intellectual property is protected and fairly rewarded, they are empowered to produce work that enriches the nation’s culture, strengthens the economy and enhances Malawi’s reputation on the global stage.
