Ugandan R&B artist Ronald Magada, aka Maro has asked fellow musicians to stop begging for free money from the government but instead demand that the state puts in place a system that enforces respect for copyright so that musicians are able to earn loyalties from their works.
Writing on his Facebook page, the Anjagala singer says what artists need is government support to enforce the copyright law and as well as create awareness among the public about laws with the view to increasing observing copyright laws.
Maro says that instead of artists begging for money from the government, they should instead demand for their rights to be protected by enforcing the copyright laws. And that when the rights are fully protected, which allows them to earn money, then they would then be able to pay taxes to government.
“I just want to say those who are waiting for GOU to pay us, we are supposed to pay them through taxation after they have helped us lay down a foundation or a structure of the sort that makes us a properly monitored and taxed business,” H
said Maro.
“Luckily we already have UPRS. We just need to work with them after they have taught us our rights especially the right to know how much they get to the sums we earn and how that revenue is collected,” Maro added.
He believes that the music fraternity can still survive with no performances even if no local musician plays just like it has been since February 2020.
Maro’s contention comes in the wake of reports that artists spent a full week in Gulu trying to lobby for money from Gen. Salim Saleh to pay outstanding debts.
Last week we reported that over 35 musicians under their umbrella body the Uganda Superstar Association ( USA) presented to Gen. Saleh a request for more than UGX9 billion for debt clearance.
