The Rwandan Society of Authors (RSAU) on April 25 distributed over Rwf25 million in royalties to both local and international artistes, in celebration of World Intellectual Property Day, observed annually on April 26. This marked the fourth royalties distribution by RSAU since the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) approved a royalty tariff for the commercial use of artistic content in the country in 2019. ALSO READ: Artistes share over Rwf25 million in royalties Despite the progress made in recent years, only Rwf80 million has been generated and distributed to artistes between 2019 and 2025 — a sum that many prominent Rwandan musicians find disappointing and difficult to understand. During the recent distribution ceremony, celebrated musicians such as Mico The Best and Muyango questioned the transparency and fairness of the royalties distribution process, arguing that although their music dominates local airwaves and public spaces, they have received little or no financial compensation. “I acknowledge the progress made in collecting royalties over the years, but there is still a need for clarity,” Mico said. “Famous musicians in Rwanda are played in most places, yet we don’t receive a penny.” However, in response to these concerns, RSAU Chief Executive Officer Jean de Dieu Turinimana told The New Times that many high-profile artistes receive minimum share in royalties due to the low compliance of content users particularly radio and TV stations who fail to pay the required fees. “Some artistes don’t get royalties because we base distributions on playlists submitted by paying users. Since few users provide these playlists, many artists are left out,” Turinimana explained. ALSO READ: Can Rwanda turn the tide on music royalties? He further noted that broadcasters, who are the primary consumers of local music, have historically refused to pay royalties, thereby undermining the collection process. “Most upcoming artistes take their music to platforms like MTN for caller tunes, from which we collect 45% of our royalties. In contrast, famous artistes often focus on radio and TV promotion, but those platforms contribute far less. So, if an artiste hasn’t shared their work on MTN, they’re likely to receive little to no royalties,” he added. To improve transparency and professionalism, RSAU uses a software system called WIPOCONNECT, developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), under a cooperation agreement signed between RSAU and WIPO. ALSO READ: Musicians sue hospitality outlets over unpaid royalties Currently, royalties are expected to be collected from a broad range of businesses, including radio and TV stations, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, public transport operators, salons, and gyms. This year, Rwf25 million in royalties was collected and distributed, with 45% coming from telecommunications companies mainly MTN, followed by 39% from hotels, 10% from private radio stations, and 6% from bars and restaurants. A new law governing intellectual property rights has already been promulgated and published in the Official Gazette and a ministerial order is now being drafted to detail the specific modalities for collecting and distributing royalties and other proceeds from the use of copyrighted works.
