KADEC urges artists to register works with COSOMA

Malawi-Karonga Debate Club (KADEC) is urging district-based artists to register their works and collaborate with the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) in order to benefit from their artistic work, writes Wezzie Mwangonde.

The non-governmental organization is implementing a four-month project targeting vendors, cultural groups, law enforcers, government departments, artists, creators, and producers in Karonga district.

During a stakeholders meeting, KADEC project officer Dennis Kumwenda shared that the project aims to create an enabling environment for creators and artists to gain from their works, enhance and promote innovation and creativity in arts and culture, nurture local artistic talent, and sensitize communities on copyright laws in Karonga district.

Kumwenda also mentioned that KADEC will support radio programs such as panel discussions to increase the participation of creators and artists in media, as well as conduct public debates to influence public opinion against piracy.

“The idea is to promote the copyright industry in Karonga district. This is why we have brought together vendors, cultural groups, law enforcers, government departments, artists, creators, and producers so that they work together and enjoy the benefits," said Kumwenda.

One of the artists, Mathews Munyangu Banda, commended KADEC for the project, stating that most local artists were not aware of COSOMA's functions, the registration process for artists, and how they can receive their loyalties.

Banda believes that the project is an eye-opener and they will be able to produce quality work to benefit from their artistic work.

"The project has come at the right time. In fact, we are very happy. We could sometimes hear about COSOMA from our colleagues in other districts, and we hope that through this project, we will have a lot of information on registration and loyalties," said Banda.

Funded by the Copyright Association of Malawi, Karonga Debate Club's four-month project called "Promoting Copyright Industry in Karonga District through Advocacy Campaign" will run from February 2023 to May 2023.