25 years and counting

Ester KamatiNascam, established through the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Act 1994, has been administering the rights of authors and composers of music for 25 years. Through issuing music licences to individuals and businesses who intend on making use of music in any public space, they have protected artists and music composers. Broadcasters who mainly make use of these musical works are licensed, including radio and television stations.Nascam gained international recognition by the Confederation of International Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) only a year after it was established. This is an agent of the United Nations that manages the rights of the creative industries worldwide. Affiliation to CISAC is only through strict requirements such as records of distribution of royalties to members as well as annual financial statements, and Nascam, having distributed over N$10 million, has worked hard to gain this affiliation.The copyright management agency has the main mandate to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of its members. These royalties are received from music users and broadcasters who have been licensed and the licensing department is a critical member of the Nascam team as through these licenses, it is easier to ensure that payments are received, which can then be distributed to the artists and composers for their work.The operating processNascam, which has two branches, operates as an association not for gain and thus does not have a widespread budget for marketing but does make use of social media including WhatsApp groups as well as information in newspapers as well as on broadcasters such as radio stations. The institution, although established through an act of parliament, is one of few copyright management bodies that do not receive financial support from the government.With a staff complement of only 13 dedicated individuals, three of whom operate from the Ongwediva branch, the team is making great strides, with values including loyalty top their duty in the mission of collecting and distributing royalties as imperative within the team. The institution believes in the importance of goal setting and the vitality of passion towards their work when it comes to staff. Nascam is adamant on keeping its members satisfied as without them, the establishment would not exist and therefore nurtures this relationship with mutual respect and informing them of any amendments that may affect their payments to Nascam.The agency prides itself in being one of the top performing copyright societies in Africa and is determined to keep it that way. “Our main goal is to maintain our high level of service provision and professional standards.”Nascam advocates for recognition of the creative industry and believes that “cultivation of a culture in society to ensure that every human being fulfils their purpose” is paramount. “Authors, composers and publishers of music should be treated equally as all other more conventional professions,” says the accountant and executive assistant to the CEO, Sarah Shalauda, adding that the creative industry contributes just as well to the country’s GDP as any corporate entity. Contact themAnyone wishing to register as a member is invited to visit the Nascam offices at 5 Johnson Street in Eros. Alternatively, the forms are available on the website at www.nascam.org or requested via email at namsoc@iafrica.com.na and queries can be forwarded telephonically to 061-229116. The application makes special provision for artists to mention a beneficiary that will receive the royalties after they have passed on, these mainly being relatives. The institution, due to a lack of space as well as recognising the impact of technology, plans on implementing an electronic system of storing music in future. They also receive as well as pay out royalties to copyright management of other countries whose music is played in Namibia and vice versa.

25 years and counting

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-05

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25 years and counting

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-05

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