Female gospel singer Joyce Blessing has revealed that since she began her music journey 10 years ago, she has only received GH¢1,200 as royalties from the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO).
Joyce Blessing expressed disappointment in the money received from the organisation, adding to the number of musicians who have raised issues pertaining to the royalties distributed to these artistes.
She expressed her frustration regarding the meager royalties being paid, adding that nothing has been done to change the situation.
“I received GH¢1,200 from GHAMRO in 2016. We have talked about this issue for a very long time but the status quo remains the same. I came to meet the system just as it is so I don’t think I can change something about it,” she said in an interview on Accra-based GHOne TV.
The gospel artiste further advised musicians not to depend on these royalties but to focus on surviving with their stage crafts, abilities, and God’s intervention.
“In this era, we find ourselves. I think the artistes should do what is right to sustain in the scenes, then feed their fans with music, and with your abilities and stagecraft, God will intervene by helping you get shows to cover,” she added.
Renowned musicians such as D-Black, Fameye, Keche, and the award-winning gospel artist, Ohemaa Mercy, have also complained of receiving meager royalties from GHAMRO.
In 2023, Ohemaa Mercy disclosed that she received GH¢300.00 as royalties from the organisation.
The accountability of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) has been questioned by several artistes, and calls have poured in for the organisation to provide a resolution to its broken system.
Watch the video below:
After 10 years, I received ₵1,200 from GHAMRO as royalties… – Joyce Blessing #RhythmzLive #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV @Blessingfrimp pic.twitter.com/NFCTc1652W
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) September 17, 2024
ED/MA