Chaka Chaka calls for fairer copyright deals

DAR ES SALAAM: SOUTH African music icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka has urged African artists to take greater control of their intellectual property, calling for stronger copyright protection and fair contracts that ensure creators receive the royalties generated by their work.

Ms Chaka Chaka made the call during a visit to Tanzania, where she met Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA) Board Chairman Victor Tesha and Acting Chief Executive Officer Naomi Mungure to discuss copyright protection and administration in the country.

The discussions focused on how artists can better protect their creative work and ensure they benefit financially from its use, while also highlighting the need for greater copyright awareness among creatives.

Drawing from her own experience, Ms Chaka Chaka said artists should not enter into agreements without clearly understanding how their work will be used and how they will be compensated.

According to her, she always ensures that every project she undertakes is governed by an agreement that clearly sets out her rights and the royalties she is entitled to receive.

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The veteran musician also stressed the importance of strengthening copyright systems across Africa so that artists can protect their work and secure fair returns from their creative output.

Ms Chaka Chaka is in Tanzania as the expected guest of honour at the East Africa Creative Economy Expo 2026, being held at Mlimani City from Tuesday this week..