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ADNews-Monrovia: The Director General, Bemanya Twebaze of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), has shone a spotlight on the vital relationship between Intellectual Property (IP) and Africa’s vibrant music sector under this year’s theme: “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP,” as the world celebrates 2025 Intellectual Property Day.
By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The ARIPO Director General, Twebaze recounted that Music, a universal language, is central to African identity—from the soulful Morna and Afrobeat of West Africa, to Zilizopendwa and Rumba of East Africa, and the rhythmic chants of Southern Africa noting that it entertains, educates, heals, and drives social change, but more importantly, it offers immense economic potential.
“African music already moves the world. Now, it must also empower its creators,” ARIPO said. “Let the beat play on,” said Director Twebaze.
He emphasized that music is not just culture—it is commerce. Streaming platforms like Spotify report that Nigerian artists received over US$38 million in royalties, and South African performers earned US$21 million, reflecting a 54% increase from the previous year. The majority of this income came from global markets, demonstrating the export potential of African music.
According to him, despite the growth, African creators are yet to fully benefit. Citing the CISAC Global Collection Report 2024, digital royalty collections are not keeping pace with consumption. While Africa’s music collections grew by 3.2%, most creators still receive minimal compensation.
The ARIPO Director General disclosed that they are building systems to protect every stage of the music value chain—from patented tools and trademarked brands to copyright protections for composers, performers, and publishers. Noting further that ARIPO is also actively promoting the Kampala Protocol, a 2021 framework that facilitates the voluntary registration of copyright and related rights across its 22 Member States.
He additionally indicated that ARIPO works closely with Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) that negotiate licenses, collect and distribute royalties, and enforce creators’ rights.
ARIPO is urging governments across the region to ratify and domesticate the Kampala Protocol, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and invest in IP awareness and capacity-building. The organization reaffirmed that strong IP laws are not just legal tools but drivers of sustainable development.
“When IP works, creativity works—and when creativity works, Africa wins,” the statement concluded.
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