Ghanaian musicians have long been struggling to receive fair and timely payments for their works, especially when it comes to royalties from radio and TV stations, streaming platforms, and public venues.
The current system of collecting royalties is outdated, inefficient, and prone to corruption. It relies on manual reporting, estimation, and distribution, which often leads to errors, delays, and disputes.
However, technology can offer a solution to this problem. By using digital tools such as logging systems, blockchain, and smart contracts, Ghana can create a more transparent, accurate, and automated system of collecting and distributing royalties to music creators.
Logging Systems
A logging system is a device or software that records and tracks the songs played on various media platforms. It can provide real-time data on the frequency, duration, and location of music plays, which can then be used to calculate the royalties owed to the right holders.
A logging system can also help to prevent piracy and plagiarism by identifying the original sources of the songs.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed ledger that records transactions in a secure and verifiable way. It can be used to store and manage the ownership and licensing information of music works, as well as to facilitate the payment of royalties through cryptocurrencies or digital tokens. Blockchain can also enable smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements that automatically execute the terms and conditions of a deal without the need for intermediaries or third parties.
Benefits of Adopting Technology In The Music Industry
By adopting these technologies, Ghana can improve its music royalties system in several ways. First, it can increase the efficiency and speed of royalty collection and distribution, reducing the administrative costs and delays involved.
Second, it can enhance the transparency and accountability of the system, ensuring that music creators receive their fair share of the revenues generated by their works.
Third, it can foster innovation and creativity in the music industry, encouraging more musicians to produce original and quality works.
Challenges
However, implementing these technologies is not without challenges. It requires adequate infrastructure, investment, regulation, education, and collaboration among various stakeholders in the music industry. It also requires a change in mindset and culture among music creators and consumers, who need to embrace digitalization and respect intellectual property rights.
Therefore, Ghanaian musicians, policymakers, regulators, broadcasters, distributors, and consumers need to work together to create a conducive environment for the adoption of technology in the music royalties system. They need to learn from the best practices and experiences of other countries that have successfully implemented such systems. They also need to be aware of the potential risks and limitations of technology, such as cyberattacks, hacking, fraud, or technical glitches.
Technology can be a powerful tool to improve Ghana’s music royalties system if used wisely and responsibly. It can help Ghanaian musicians to earn more income from their works, as well as to gain more recognition and exposure in the global market. It can also help Ghana to promote its rich and diverse musical culture to the world.
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