Cindy Sanyu, a prominent figure in the Ugandan music scene, has shared her concerns regarding the newly approved copyright management system, which she believes could create tension between rising and established artists in the industry.
The announcement of the copyright system’s approval by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sparked intense debate across the entertainment industry. While several artists have expressed excitement, hailing the new system as the missing piece to ensure they receive fair compensation, others worry that it may disproportionately benefit a select few, leaving many behind.
A Double-Edged Sword
Cindy Sanyu acknowledges the progress made with the introduction of the copyright management system, praising Eddy Kenzo and his team for their dedication to ensuring the law’s passage. “It is a good stage that Eddy Kenzo and his team have reached, and I applaud them for the good job done,” Cindy said.
However, she raised concerns about the system’s potential consequences, particularly its impact on emerging artists. According to Cindy, the system could unintentionally create a divide between younger, rising stars and more established artists, ultimately affecting airplay and opportunities for newcomers.
A Growing Divide
“The rising artists will not receive enough airplay because bar owners will not benefit from it at the expense of more established artists,” Cindy explained. “We will have the younger artists fighting against the older artists.”
Cindy’s worry stems from the fact that bar owners and music promoters, who would have to adopt the system, might prioritize well-known artists with larger followings to ensure profitability, thereby leaving less room for emerging talent to thrive.
The Need for Further Planning
While Cindy supports the new system, she emphasized the need for more planning and sensitization to ensure its fair application. “We need to sit down and plan better for the underlying issues. It’s still a big task, but I have to say thank you to Eddy Kenzo and his team for following through,” she said.
As the Ugandan music industry looks toward the future, Cindy Sanyu’s call for thoughtful planning and inclusion of all artists in the conversation is an essential reminder of the complexities that come with introducing new systems to an already competitive and ever-evolving landscape.
