Editor, RE: “Made-in-Rwanda: How will local brands protect their copyrights?” (The New Times, December 7). Good and pertinent points Mr. Ntayombya! It’s such a shame to see renowned artistes like Aime Uwimana, Luc Buntu, Patient Bizimana and others’ CDs openly pirated in Kigali streets. Even the local Kinyarwanda movie industry is suffering from pirated content. The famous “agasobanuye” are blatant copyright infringement, however harmless and entertaining they are. Use of Facebook, Twitter and McDonald’s logos in bars and restaurants is another copyright infringement case although I hardly think the big brands would bother to sue the little guys – it’s just not worth it. For the pirated CDs though, I believe it’s ignorance and, anyway, if it’s not due to ignorance, it’s what puts bread on the table that matters. Measures that can be implemented are, firstly, obviously someone is duplicating the CDs somewhere in Nyamirambo or Quartier Mateus and I believe these are the people to easily target and shut down. Secondly, creative industry needs to form professional associations which will push for their rights. Thirdly, local artistes need to widen their products in as many outlets as possible, including using the internet, e.g. iTunes. Currently, only Nakumatt stocks local artistes CDs which really limits the buyer. And, yes, I believe in supporting local artistes and only buy original CDs as a matter of principle. Kigali Girl
