CAPASSO registers growth in Africa

CAPASSO says the move was developed in line with the body's predicted continental growth, with Africa being among the fastest-expanding economic regions in terms of licensing. Over the past few years, CAPASSO had strategically implemented a growth strategy across the continent, it said.

“We are elated to announce that the CAPASSO licensing footprint now spans across the African continent,” CAPASSO said. “This is facilitated by the direct multi-territorial mandate received from direct members, bilateral relationships with affiliate societies on the continent and membership of Bureau International de l'Edition Mecanique and the Confédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Auteurs et Compositeurs (CISAC).”

This increase, CAPASSO says, was aided by the establishment of the African Digital Licensing Committee in 2017 and 2018. “These bilateral agreements with the different societies enable CAPASSO to collect royalties for digital content consumption on the continent on behalf of our members. We are excited about the growth and are encouraged to expand into the rest of Africa."

CAPASSO issues R40m in mechanical royalties

Following the increase of its licensing footprint in Africa, CAPASSO broke its own record by paying out more royalties to creators than all payments made since it was founded in 2014.

“In light of this, CAPASSO is ecstatic to announce that during the March 2019 distribution, CAPASSO distributed over R40m [$2.8m] in royalties to members. As the distribution of mechanical royalties is at the helm of CAPASSO’s business, this is a significant milestone for the organisation as well as our members," it said.

“The strategic efforts from management and staff to increase efficiency have borne much fruit resulting in this truly historic milestone. The March 2019 distribution marks the single biggest mechanical royalty distribution in the history of collective management in the country.”

In its recent distribution, the collective management organisation comprised digital, transactional (production and commercial), broadcast and photomechanical royalties.

“The digital component of the March 2019 distribution includes royalties for usages from the following licensees: Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, MTN Music+, Google Play, Simfy, Spice Digital, Traxsource, Vodacom, MTN and Joox,” CAPASSO said. “We would like to thank all our members and stakeholders who have contributed to this historic success.

“The relationships CAPASSO has built with our members and also our licensees have been pivotal in allowing for increased operational efficiency and distribution accuracy. As we continue to adopt an African growth strategy, we believe that CAPASSO is key to unlocking mechanical royalties on the continent and the world for our members.”

Munyaradzi Chanetsa joins CAPASSO team

CAPASSO recently confirmed the appointment of Munyaradzi Chanetsa as its head of licensing and new business.

“We are happy to announce the new head of licensing and new business, Munyaradzi Chanetsa. With extensive experience in directly engaging with mobile and online platforms, independent record labels, artists and publishers, we are confident that he will be a great addition to the CAPASSO family."

Chanetsa said: “Firstly, it is an honour to be part of such a dynamic team that has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. I have big shoes to fill. However, I am confident that with my knowledge and expertise, I, along with my team, will take the current business to the next level. I’m extremely grateful and excited at the prospect of supporting our members and contributing to the industry as a whole."