Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Washira Helene
Published on 2024-03-01 09:54:35
In a positive development for Cameroonian artists, Secretary-General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, has instructed the Director-General of Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV), Charles Ndongo, to transfer 850 million FCFA to a designated account at the Commercial Bank of Cameroon (CBC).
The statement dated February 26 did not specify the reason for the payment, but many believe it is related to unpaid royalties owed by CRTV to artists. Cameroonian artists have been expressing their frustration over not being paid for their work used by the state-owned broadcaster. This recent action is seen as a step towards addressing these issues.
The 850 million FCFA will be distributed among artists whose works have been used by CRTV. However, the specific criteria for distribution and the number of recipients are still uncertain.
There are theories suggesting that this decision is a strategic move leading up to the 2025 presidential elections, considering the significant influence artists, especially those with a large following, can have on public opinion.
For years, artists have been vocal about the government’s neglect. Some individuals reportedly receive as little as 20,000 FCFA in annual royalties, while others, particularly those associated with Sonacam, do not receive any payments at all.
In 2018, a group of Cameroonian artists staged a protest at CRTV demanding payment of their royalties. Despite their efforts, they saw no change.
While this move is a positive step, it is important to note that the statement falls short of addressing the broader issue of reforming Cameroon’s copyright system. Advocates in the arts community and industry professionals are calling for a more transparent and efficient process for collecting and distributing royalties.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
