Weasel Manizo Criticizes Uprs Over Low Music Royalty Payout
Goodlyfe singer Weasel Manizo has publicly criticized the Uganda Performing Rights Society after receiving what he described as a disappointing royalty payment from the organization’s latest music revenue distribution.
Last month, UPRS announced that it had collected at least UGX 200 million in music royalties, which it planned to distribute among eligible rights holders. Weasel, who was among the beneficiaries, revealed that he received UGX 285,498 for approximately one and a half years’ worth of royalties from the Goodlyfe music catalog.
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Sharing a screenshot of the payment, the singer questioned whether the current royalty collection and distribution system fairly rewards artists for their work.He added that if established musicians are earning such amounts, he can only imagine the challenges faced by upcoming artists. The singer noted that musicians invest significant amounts of money, time, studio sessions, and music video production into creating songs that are widely played on radio stations, in bars, and at events, only to receive what he considers inadequate returns.
Weasel Manizo Opens Up About His Fear of Staging Concerts After Bad ExperienceWeasel concluded by calling for reforms, saying artists and the music industry deserve better compensation. His concerns were echoed by comedian Anne Kansiime, who revealed that she received a nearly identical payout despite not being an active musician.
