Article By: Chris Loka
Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) has expressed concerns over the delay to enact the 2011 Draft copyright Bill saying it is worsening the piracy situation and depriving musicians of income which would have earned through the implementation of some of the provisions contained therein
Speaking during the press briefing at COSOMA Offices in Lilongwe on Wednesday, MUM President Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango said it is pathetic that piracy is at the climax, a thing which could have been avoided if the bill was enacted.
“The bill provides for enhanced fines and penalties which we think would act as deterrent to the would be infringers of copyright works. We are of the view that the current high levels of piracy are worsened by low fines and penal provisions, “he said
Apart from Piracy Mhango said the delay to enact the Bill has affected musicians in several ways and has since asked government to take action and bring lasting solutions to their concerns before they use other means of showing their grievances.
“As musicians we are therefore kindly bringing to the attention of governments’ and other stakeholders that failure to enact this bill has brought in a lot of pain and serious poverty in an industry which is supposed to be the most vibrant in the country. We hope therefore that the bill will be taken to parliament come February 2016,” he added
Among other things, the bill provides for the use of technological measures for fighting piracy in the digital environment and that there is also provision for the visually impaired, which allows them to access copyright protected materials in circumstances that would have constituted an infringement if the same acts were to be done by a well sighted person.
Commenting on the Issue, reknown Musician Lawrence Khwisa (LULU) said Malawi government does not consider the welfare of musicians as other countries do, saying many countries have policies that protect the pride, works and lives of musicians.
Lulu also appealed to media houses in the country to add another gear in promoting local music than foreign Music.
“I have traveled and performed in many countries but listening to the radio stations or watching their televisions I have never heard Malawian music enjoying airplay but here in Malawi it is sad that Radio and Television stations can promote things they don’t even understand.
