Each year, COSOMA distributes hundreds of millions of kwacha to musicians, authors, and filmmakers through a system called the Blank Media Levy. But what exactly is it, and how does a creative qualify to receive a payment?
What Is the Blank Media Levy?
The Blank Media Levy is a government-mandated charge collected from manufacturers and importers of devices that can store or reproduce creative works — such as memory cards, flash drives, and recordable media. The rationale is straightforward: when someone copies a song, book, or film onto a device, the original creator loses a potential sale. The levy compensates rights holders for that loss.
COSOMA collects the levy in conjunction with the Malawi Revenue Authority, as provided under Section 102 of the Copyright Act of 2016, and then distributes the proceeds to eligible rights holders.
Who Qualifies?
The levy currently covers musicians, literary authors and publishers, and film producers whose works have been reproduced during the qualifying period. Dancers, visual artists, and some other categories of performers are not yet included, though COSOMA has indicated plans to expand coverage to performers such as dancers featured in music videos.
To receive a distribution, a creative must be a registered COSOMA member. COSOMA now has over 18,000 registered members, and registration is open to all Malawian creators of copyright-protected works.
How Are Payments Calculated?
Royalty amounts are not fixed. The distribution system captures data on how frequently a work has been used, where it has been played, and the licensing agreements in place. Works that receive heavier broadcast and reproduction will earn more than those with limited circulation.
How to Claim Your Royalties
COSOMA contacts eligible members directly at each distribution cycle. If you are a registered member and have not received notification of a payment due to you, contact the Society’s Distribution Department at +265 981 186 562 or email cosoma@cosoma.mw. Unclaimed royalties remain held by COSOMA until the rightful owner comes forward — there is no expiry deadline for claiming your funds.
If you are not yet registered, visit cosoma.mw to begin the registration process and ensure your works are protected and eligible for future distributions.
