The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) has delivered its biggest royalty payout to date, distributing K1.5 billion in Blank Media Levy royalties to Malawian creatives for works reproduced between April 2024 and March 2025. The disbursement was announced at a gala dinner dubbed Chakwera Arts Stars, held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and presided over by President Lazarus Chakwera.
President Chakwera presented certificates and dummy cheques to top-earning artists, using the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to placing the creative economy at the heart of Malawi’s national development agenda. He noted that royalty payments had grown from K78 million in 2020 to K1.5 billion in 2025 — a near twentyfold increase in five years.
Top Earners
Urban music dominated the top positions this year. Elli Njuchi led all recipients with K23.4 million, narrowly ahead of Driemo who received K23.3 million. Other top earners included Zeze Kingston (K18.3 million), Kell Kay (K15.8 million), Saint Realest (K15.7 million), Gibo Pearson (K12.6 million), Malinga Mafia (K10.9 million), and Wikise (K10.3 million).
A Milestone for Transparency
COSOMA Board Chairperson Bishop Chimwemwe Mhango confirmed that the Society had implemented improved systems to ensure equitable and transparent distribution. The announcement followed a period of concern from some creatives who had raised questions about delays and fairness in previous payout cycles.
Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) President Vita Chirwa acknowledged the progress, saying the improved transparency in this cycle was a positive development for the sector.
A Call to Licence Users
COSOMA used the occasion to call on users of copyright-protected works — particularly public institutions — to meet their licensing obligations. Board Chairperson Mhango stressed that the creative economy cannot grow when those who benefit from artistic work do not pay for its use.
Creatives wishing to register with COSOMA and become eligible for future royalty distributions can visit cosoma.mw or contact the Society directly at cosoma@cosoma.mw.
