The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) has begun disbursing K1.5 billion in royalties to artists and authors for works reproduced between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a long-awaited payout under the blank media levy system.

COSOMA Board Chairperson Bishop Chimwemwe Mhango confirmed the distribution, assuring stakeholders of enhanced transparency and fairness in the process. 

“We have implemented robust systems to ensure equitable distribution this time," Mhango said.  

The release follows recent complaints from creatives over delayed payments, but COSOMA insists improvements have been made. 

“The exercise has been refined to address past concerns," Mhango added.  

While skepticism persists among some artists regarding allocation fairness, Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) president Vita Chirwa acknowledged COSOMA’s progress. 

“We’ve seen improved transparency in this distribution cycle, which is a positive step," Chirwa said. 

Chirwa added: “This recognition motivates artists to keep producing quality work.”

The automated payment system calculates royalties based on the actual usage frequency of copyrighted works, with musicians receiving the largest share, followed by literary creators.  

In a celebratory gesture, the top ten recipients will be honored at a feast with President Lazarus Chakwera in August.