Copyright for creators to be showcased with African Copyright and Collective Management Day from CISAC and authors' societies

2nd edition expected to bring over 20 CISAC members together to celebrate authors’ rights

10 Sep 2019

10 September 2019 – Creators and authors societies will be joined by special artist ambassadors in September for the 2nd annual African Copyright and Collective Management Day.

Activities will be taking place across the region the week before and after September 14th, 2019, to draw attention to the vibrant contributions of creators and copyright to the lives of millions throughout Africa and beyond. The coordinated event is supported at global level by CISAC, the largest worldwide network of authors societies, with members in over 120 countries.

Ceremonies, live performances, workshops and roundtables will be organised by over 20 CISAC member authors societies, with support from artist ambassadors. The artist ambassadors help educate fellow local creators about the benefits of authors’ rights, their importance to making careers or livelihoods and their role in the development of their countries.

CISAC Director General Gadi Oron said: “Copyright and collective management are tools for creators, just like paintbrushes, guitars or cameras. They are also keys to economic development, contributing enormously to the well-being of countries and continents. This is why CISAC is helping raise awareness about its importance across Africa. We look forward to this second edition of Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day, especially to further support growing royalty collections over the years."

Creators are voicing support for the celebration of authors’ rights. Singer/songwriter Samira Brahmia of Algeria said: “The time has come for us African creators to express ourselves with dignity for our authors’ rights and the protection of our works.”

Singer/songwriter Myria Bika’a of Cameroon said: “I would like that we work together regarding authors’ rights for today, but also for our children who will embrace the career of being artists tomorrow."

Africa has been a steadily improving environment for cultural and creative sectors. According to the upcoming 2019 CISAC Global Collections Report, royalty collection in Africa in 2019 grew to €78 million. While South Africa, Algeria and Morocco account for nearly four fifths of collections, many countries are growing 10% year-on-year including Burkina Faso, Cape Verde,Djibouti, Mali, Mauritius, Senegal, Seychelles and Togo.

Creators’ collections are still mismatched to the region’s creative output, representing less than 1% of the global total.

African Copyright and Collective Management Day will group a variety of activities to foster continued growth, including: