Gospel artiste, Uncle Ato
Uncle Ato, a gospel musician, has revealed that he has only received royalty payments from the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) once in his professional career.
The worship leader and ordained minister stated that he received the royalties several years ago, amounting to either GH¢12 or GH¢120.
Uncle Ato disclosed this in an interview with Sokoohemaa Kukua on the midmorning show on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
He told the host that he has not made further attempts to follow up with GHAMRO for an update, especially since the amounts received by his fellow musicians were insignificant.
“I remember receiving royalties only once in my career as a musician. I’m not sure if it was GH¢12 or GH¢120. To date, that has been the only payment I’ve received. Perhaps I haven’t followed up, so I don’t know if I still have any royalties with GHAMRO. But from what I’ve observed and heard, the amounts my fellow musicians receive are nothing to write home about, which is why I haven’t really pursued it. However, I will follow up now,” he said.
Commenting on the impact of digital technology on the music industry, he noted that it has been both beneficial and challenging.
He lamented the issue of digital piracy, which he said has deprived musicians and original composers of their rightful earnings, as pirates use their compositions without permission.
“Digital technology has been beneficial, but it also comes with challenges. Digital piracy is a major issue that deprives musicians of their earnings. I would say it’s a 50/50 situation there are both advantages and disadvantages. However, if you can successfully transition to the digital space, you will reap the benefits,” he concluded.
