Dr Benjamin Oduro Arhin, a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, has raised concerns over musicians who publicly criticise the Ghana Music Rights Organisation while still benefiting from its royalty payments.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM on Sunday, the music educationist said it is contradictory for artistes to discredit the system but continue to receive money from it.
According to him, many Ghanaian musicians also refuse to join industry unions such as the Musicians Union of Ghana, often claiming these bodies are ineffective.
Dr Oduro Arhin singled out dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, accusing him of consistently criticising GHAMRO despite benefiting financially from the organisation.
He disclosed that, during his time at the Copyright Office in 2016, Shatta Wale received about GH¢50,000 in royalties from GHAMRO.
“Musicians in this country often refuse to join the union, claiming it isn’t functioning. Meanwhile, someone like Shatta Wale can sit at home and say GHAMRO isn’t working, yet GHAMRO actually pays royalties,” he stated.
Dr Oduro Arhin further explained that many artistes have signed deals with international distribution platforms in countries such as the United States, Germany, and South Africa, granting these platforms universal rights to collect royalties on their behalf.
He questioned why those musicians still expect GHAMRO to pay them when their rights have already been assigned elsewhere.
“Why do you expect GHAMRO to give you money when you have signed your song on distribution platforms to a different company?” he quizzed.
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