Intellectual Property Matters
Tlotlo R. Kgakatsi
COSBOTS's REALITY
Think about it, global music royalty collections reached 850 billion Pula in 2013, and are being seen to be constantly growing. This may not compare with the diamond industry but, maybe wildlife and tourism. The Global Collections Report by The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) shows total royalty collections is constantly growing by 4.6% with the 2013 latest report.
Much is still to be achieved with regard to developments in copyright and intellectual property especially in developing nations, shadowing down on Africa, where many of the nation’s rather seek to concentrate on serious, immediate issues of poverty, hunger and diseases. Botswana is however fortunate to have rigorously jumped to economic diversification drives, seeing and bringing to the fold the enormous economic capabilities of the creative industry.
Intellectual property management, inclusive of copyright, is complex for many reasons. The introduction of a society such as COSBOTS, has significantly brought about changes in processes, and questioned the basic thinking, which had been accepted as a comfort zone.
Copyright matters need some degree of competence, given its specialized framework; it therefore requires knowledgeable people that can advise and guide the legal, practical, political and managerial aspects of copyright and related rights. To some extent, the whole field of intellectual property management. The main burden remains the fact that all this requires a paradigm shift for society as a whole, never an easy feat.
The Copyright Society of Botswana is undoubtedly here to stay and it continues to play an important role in today’s political and economic environment, mostly to begin with through creating awareness and educating Batswana about this phenomenon.
It is worth noting that there is undoubtedly some turbulence around copyright issues and its role in society today, given the rapidly changing technological and economic status of the creative industry. Beyond these developments, sustainability of the creative industry is key to the activities of COSBOTS. Without economic empowerment to the creative industry, there simply can never be continuity in the music, arts and films we enjoy daily.
COSBOTS makes it fair, that persons who devote their skill and efforts to the production of intellectual creations are able to exercise some control of their use, which goes a long way as these rights are stimulus to society's growth and the industry's progress. If copyright protection exists in a work, the author is encouraged not only to create the work but also to make it public and disseminate it widely, because he knows that he will not lose control over it simply because it is made known to others.
Such a wide dissemination of works is generally of great benefit for the society as a whole. The pricevfdfvb cvnhg for use of the work/s, reflects in the costs resulting from the exclusive rights, that have to be paid by the users as royalties. Collective management has proved to work with relative flexibility as the costs maybe high or low, but have to be paid, this has served, and will continue to serve all round creativity and inventiveness within society.
The year of the Lord was in 2011, when artists or owners of copyright works across the country started registering as members of COSBOTS, consequently assigning or transferring their rights to COSBOTS through written contract.
This agreement allows the society to set rates for royalties on behalf of members and further monitor usage of members protected works for national broadcast. This, on the surface of it appears to be fairly simple, but remember empowerment comes at a cost. Authors or Lyrists are the power brand of the melodies of movies and radio jingles that keeps the industry buzzing. Composers turn words into musical notes and give movies life of originality.
The players in this process will be paid royalties for public performance rights. Depending on the application, in certain instances, the authors and composers are paid royalties for "mechanical rights", derived from conversion of the original format to one that is compatible with the system to publicize the music. This is the future of the music business that COSBOTS strives to develop and empower.
Mr. Tlotlo R. Kgakatsi is Corporate Communications Manager at Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) E-mail: tlotlok@cosbots.com
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.
WeekendLife
Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.
Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.
The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.
The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.
By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.
In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.