Artists set to benefit from new copyright protection measures

Staff Reporter

Local artists and cultural practitioners are poised for stronger protection for their creative works as the government intends to step up efforts to roll out copyright enforcement and royalty collection systems.

The move, revealed by Finance Minister Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane in her 2025/25 budget speech, aims to address the long-standing issue of artist exploitation and ensure fair compensation for Lesotho’s creative community.

The reforms will particularly focus on the music industry, where unauthorised use of compositions has been a persistent challenge.

“Creative and cultural resources play a crucial role in boosting tourism through the consumption of local music, films, handcrafts, cultural experiences, and more. However, exploitation without fair compensation remains a challenge, depriving artists of the returns on their investment and discouraging creativity,” Matlanyane said.

 She continued; “In response, the government will promote the licensing of copyright music tariffs, the collection of royalties from users, and their distribution to the rightful owners.

This move is expected to benefit musicians, filmmakers, and other cultural practitioners who have historically struggled to monetize their work effectively.

In a parallel development, authorities announced plans to review the 2005 Cultural Policy, marking the first major overhaul of cultural sector regulations to align cultural preservation efforts with modern digital challenges while protecting traditional artistic expressions.

“Additionally, the Government will review the 2005 Cultural Policy and develop and translate the Protection and Administration of Custom at Initiation Schools and regulations into Sesotho, with the view to ensure cultural preservation.”

The Minister emphasised that these measures would help position Lesotho’s creative sector as a significant contributor to cultural tourism while ensuring artists receive fair compensation for their contributions to the country’s cultural landscape.

The reforms extend beyond just the music industry, encompassing protection for various cultural expressions including traditional crafts and ceremonial practices.

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