Musicians press govt on copyright law

The Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) has urged government to enact the 2011 copyright legislation or risk mass action.

Speaking at a press conference at the Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) offices in Lilongwe, MUM president Chimwemwe Mhango said MUM is highlighting issues affecting the music industry and the welfare of artists.

He was flanked by a number of musicians, who included Lulu, Maxwell Olloto, Martha Mituka, Rudo Chakwera and Vincent Kadzakumanja, who urged by government to have the bill enacted into law.

“The delay in enacting the draft bill is of grave concern to the musicians since it is worsening the piracy situation and depriving us of income which would have been earned through the implementation of some of the provisions. This is despite the review process being completed in August 2011 and the draft bill being presented to the Ministry of Justice,” said Mhango.

Among other amendments, the bill provides for enhanced fines and penalties which musicians believe will act as a deterrent to would be infringers of copyright works. The bill also provides for a compensatory mechanism to creators whose works are copied in the form of a levy.

“Failure to enact this bill has brought a lot of pain and poverty in an industry which is supposed to be the most vibrant in our country. In fact demand that it be taken to Parliament in the next sitting in February,” said Mhango.

In a separate interview, solicitor general, Janet Banda said the tabling of the bill rests in the hands of the musicians through Cosoma.

“It was scheduled for this sitting, but due to outstanding issues, we moved it forward. There were issues that were raised by us and some by them. On our part, we gave them feedback, but they never reverted back.

“For example, we had issues with the role of Cosoma and the intellectual property rights office which the bill seeks to establish. Otherwise, the bill is ready and will go to cabinet before the February sitting depending on how fast they provide that feedback,” she said.

Cosoma executive director, Dora Makwinja said all issues to do with the bill were dealt with.

“We had a meeting with ministry of justice officials where we clarified all outstanding issues. That was on September 19 and what remained was for the ministry to incorporate all the changes into the bill itself. So, I do not see which issues are being referred to this time around,” she said. n