The Rwandan Society of Authors (RSAU) has distributed over Rwf25 million in royalties to local and international artistes as part of celebration of World Intellectual Property Day, observed annually on April 26. The distribution ceremony took place on April 25 at Lemigo Hotel, and was attended by notable figures from Rwanda’s creative industry, including musicians Jean Marie Muyango, Tonzi, Gaby Kamanzi, and Mico The Best, among others. A total of 132 local artistes and 987 international artists benefited from the payouts. ALSO READ: Can Rwanda turn the tide on music royalties? This marks the fourth royalties’ distribution by RSAU since the exercise began in 2019. Since 2017, when the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) approved a royalty tariff for the commercial use of artistic content, a total of Rwf55 million has been distributed to artistes. According to the union, this year’s Rwf 25 million was generated from various sectors including 10% from private radio stations, 39% from hotels, 6% from bars and restaurants, and a significant 45% from telecommunications companies with MTN being the primary contributor. Speaking at the event, RSAU Chief Executive Officer Jean de Dieu Turinimana explained that no royalties were distributed in 2023 and 2024 due to an upgrade of the licensing and distribution system, a project supported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). ALSO READ: Musicians sue hospitality outlets over unpaid royalties “This upgrade was essential to ensure transparency and professionalism in the collective management system,” said Turinimana. Despite the dominance of international artists on local playlists, Turinimana noted that Rwandan artistes still earn more due to higher frequency of plays. However, some artistes voiced concerns about the clarity and fairness of the royalty distribution system. Popular artist Mico The Best questioned the accuracy of the process, saying that ‘famous artists are played in most places, yet they still don’t get a penny.” Veteran traditional artist Muyango echoed these concerns, revealing that despite his music being widely played across the country, he has never received royalties in Rwanda This discussion comes amid ongoing reforms in Rwanda’s intellectual property landscape. A new draft law on intellectual property protection has passed through Parliament and awaits Cabinet approval. If enacted, it will establish a single intellectual property office to regulate copyright management. ALSO READ: Media owners threaten to stop playing local music amid royalties saga RSAU believes the proposed law will address current gaps in royalty collection and help local artists benefit more fairly from their work. Currently, royalties are supposed to be collected from a wide range of businesses, including radio and TV stations, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, public transport vehicles, salons, and gyms. However, RSAU disclosed that while private media outlets contribute, all public radio and television stations have refused to pay royalties.
