Promoters have expressed frustration over the move taken by Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) to make them pay royalties.
COSBOTS started the initiative last year that promoters should make sure events were licensed for the use of copyright works, which meant that promoters should pay COSBOTS for an artist to perform at their events.
Promoters, however, felt it was unfair on their side for COSBOTS to make them pay as with the local music industry promoters made little profits and people still did not understand the role of a promoter.
Their other grievance was that there were fly by night promoters who advertised events while they were not even registered with the promoters’ association, something which affected their job as promoters. They also said artists themselves at times tended to be promoters and DJs which made it difficult for promoters to benefit from the industry.
The promoters voiced their concerns at the first meeting COSBOTS had with them regarding licensing of copyright works. Addressing the promoters, COSBOTS licensing officer, Thatayaone Namane said licensing of copyright work was a standard norm internationally.
He said promoters should supply COSBOTS with a performance log of all songs performed after the show. An agreement should also be made with performing artists to furnish the songs which might not have been planned for but were nevertheless performed.
He however noted that tariffs or royalty fees were not based on based cost, rather on revenue.
Namane said every business that uses music or non-music copyrighted works as envisaged by Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Act CAP 68:02 must apply for a license.