By BigEyeUg Team
Goodlyfe singer Weasel Manizo has publicly criticized the Uganda Performing Rights Society after receiving what he described as a disappointing royalty payment from the organization’s latest music revenue distribution.
Last month, UPRS announced that it had collected at least UGX 200 million in music royalties, which it planned to distribute among eligible rights holders. Weasel, who was among the beneficiaries, revealed that he received UGX 285,498 for approximately one and a half years’ worth of royalties from the Goodlyfe music catalog.
Sharing a screenshot of the payment, the singer questioned whether the current royalty collection and distribution system fairly rewards artists for their work.
“This is what 1.5 years of music royalties looks like from UPRS. UGX 285,498. That’s about 15k a month for a Goodlyfe catalog,” Weasel wrote.
He added that if established musicians are earning such amounts, he can only imagine the challenges faced by upcoming artists. The singer noted that musicians invest significant amounts of money, time, studio sessions, and music video production into creating songs that are widely played on radio stations, in bars, and at events, only to receive what he considers inadequate returns.
Weasel concluded by calling for reforms, saying artists and the music industry deserve better compensation. His concerns were echoed by comedian Anne Kansiime, who revealed that she received a nearly identical payout despite not being an active musician.
“Looks like that’s the standard fee for everyone. Cos how do I get nearly the same amount yet am not an active musician,” Kansiime remarked, adding to the growing debate over how music royalties are calculated and distributed in Uganda.