19/02/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GfYiffbs/
VETERAN MUSICIAN MOSES SAKALA JOINS OPPOSITION TO COPYRIGHT DRAFT BILL
By TROY MUKUPA
A prominent Zambian musician, Moses Sakala, has added his voice to the growing chorus of opposition to the proposed copyright draft bill, citing concerns that it fails to adequately protect the rights of creators.
The draft bill, introduced by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) last month, has been met with widespread criticism from stakeholders and Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) in Zambia.
Sakala, a member of the renowned Sakala Brothers music group, which consisted of him and the late Levy Sakala, emphasized the need for the Zambia Music Copyright Protection Society (ZAMCOPS) to be empowered to effectively collect royalties and protect composers' rights.
Speaking on Money FM Radio breakfast show, hosted by Nelson Zulu, he stressed that creators invest significant time, energy, and resources into their work, and it is essential that they are protected and compensated fairly.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1SWzvHYT1h/
Sakala emphasized the importance of empowering ZAMCOPS, stating that music in Zambia is ubiquitous, yet the organization is only collecting a fraction of the royalties it should.
He lamented that creators were missing out on their rightful earnings, stressing that ZAMCOPS needed the necessary tools and autonomy to effectively collect royalties from venues, hotels, and other establishments playing Zambian music.
"The situation is akin to a person building a house only to have someone else reap the benefits without contributing to its construction, while the owner languishes in the cold," Sakala said.
"It's like a lion kills and there are people waiting to feed on something they didn't labor for," he added, highlighting the exploitation of intellectual property.
Sakala cited the example of the late PK Chishala's family, who are struggling to make ends meet despite their father's songs being widely played without permission.
He emphasized that a good copyright law should benefit rightful owners and be in line with international practices and standards.
The proposed copyright draft bill has been criticized for several articles, including those related to copyright registration, economic rights of copyright owners, exceptions and limitations, and the role of the Minister.
The deadline for feedback was initially set for January 31, 2026, but PACRA has since extended it to March 31, 2026, following pressure from industry players.
Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) and stakeholders have expressed shock and concern that PACRA presented a draft bill that was rejected four years ago, despite their previous input.
A music industry expert, Jeremiah Chulu, noted that government-run CMOs often lead to inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape, which can hinder the effective collection and distribution of royalties.
"It's essential that Collective Management Organisations are given the autonomy to operate independently and effectively, allowing them to truly serve the interests of creators," Chulu said.
The 100-page copyright draft bill is available for review on the PACRA website. Sakala's comments highlight the need for a more equitable copyright law that prioritizes the rights of creators and addresses the music industry's long-standing issues of piracy and exploitation.
