BY NELIWE NGUBANE(INTERN)
MBABANE– Eswatini is stepping up its voice in Africa’s music industry after joining key continental talks on copyright and royalties in Nigeria.
Mmeli Hlanze, Managing Director of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS), represented the country at the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Africa Performance Rights Conference (PRC) 2026, held in Lagos. The event brought together industry leaders from across the continent to address challenges and explore growth in recorded music.
The high-level conference was officially opened by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who highlighted Africa’s growing global influence. She noted strong revenue growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and the increasing international demand for African music.
Held under the theme, “Addressing Challenges and Leveraging Opportunities to Drive the Sustainable Growth of Recorded Music in Africa,” the meeting focused on improving performance rights licensing, boosting royalty collections, and strengthening collective management organisations (CMOs).
Hlanze joined panel discussions tackling piracy, weak intellectual property systems, and outdated licensing models. Delegates agreed that stronger enforcement and modern systems are needed to protect artists and ensure fair payment.
Industry expert Lauri Rechardt emphasised the importance of CMOs, saying they play a vital role in “licensing music users and ensuring fair distribution of royalties.” His remarks highlighted the need for efficiency and transparency in managing artists’ earnings.
The rise of artificial intelligence in music also drew attention. While it offers new creative opportunities, participants stressed the importance of policies that protect original creators from exploitation.
For ESWACOS, the conference provided a chance to learn from global best practices and strengthen its operations back home. Hlanze’s participation signals Eswatini’s commitment to improving services for artists and aligning with international standards.
The conference ended with resolutions to review broadcast licence agreements, expand performance markets, and adopt long-term strategies guided by IFPI frameworks.
As Africa’s music industry continues to grow, Eswatini is positioning itself to ensure its artists benefit fairly in a fast-changing, digital world.
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