You'll not get a penny from GHAMRO if you are not a member - Rex Omar

The chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), Rex Omar, has stressed that non-members are not entitled to royalties.

The renowned highlife musician said, GHAMRO is the only lawful entity established to collect royalties when music is played and performed.

GHAMRO also licenses and collects royalties when music is reproduced.

He was reacting to concerns by some musicians that they have not benefitted from GHAMRO.

One of such musicians is M.anifest, who recently took a swipe at GHAMRO.

The VGMA Best rapper of the year 2017 revealed this on Focus on Africa on BBC Africa when he was hosted by Veronique Edwards to talk about his musical influences and latest projects on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

“Shouts to Ghamro I know you people are working but please work hard so I can get my royalties. I haven’t received a single penny from you guys” he said Rex Omar reacted by saying the musician was not a member and could not benefit from royalties.

According to the rapper, even though he has not registered with the South African Music Right Organisation (SAMRO) and UK’s Performing Rights Society (PRS), he gets royalties from them.

“I am not a member of samro or prs but s.a. and u.k. royalties have been flowing. Thanks for understanding. You’re a legend BTW. Much respect,” he wrote.

But Rex Omar emphasized that non-members are not entitled to benefit. GHAMRO established under Copyright Act 690 of 2005 and regulated by Legislative Instrument 1962 of 2010, is the only organization mandated by the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice to license, collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music right holders in Ghana.