Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) has urged local artists to make a crucial change in the use of International Standard Recording Codes (ISRC) for their music.
In a passionate address at the World Intellectual Property Day celebration recently held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mmeli Hlanze, the Executive Director highlighted that most local songs were currently registered under South African codes issued by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), which inaccurately suggests that Eswatini doesn’t have an active music industry.
“We need to rectify this situation in order for our recording industry to gain recognition,” he stated. He pointed out that while being geographically close to South Africa brings advantages, it can also be misleading.
Many artists have been utilising the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) to register their music, resulting in their codes bearing the ‘ZA’ mark, an indication that their work contributes to the South African recording industry rather than Eswatini recording industry.The implications of this misrepresentation are significant.
When global music revenues are tracked using ISRC codes, Eswatini does not appear on the list of countries generating revenue, which perpetuates the misconception that there is no music industry in the kingdom. “Whatever revenue we create contributes to the South African music industry, making it more challenging to secure support and investment for the Eswatini music industry,” he explained.
Hlanze further encouraged artists to visit the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) website, which provides the means to generate Eswatini-specific codes.
“May we please use the SZ code? Using the SZ code will demonstrate that there is activity in Eswatini’s music industry,” he emphasised. Additionally, Hlanze addressed the issue of split sheets, urging artists to formalise agreements. “Most of our agreements are verbal, which creates problems down the line,” he warned, highlighting the need for clear and documented contracts.
The IFPI, which represents the global recording industry including Eswatini, aims to promote the economic value of recorded music and protect the rights of record producers. The organisation also focuses on expanding the commercial uses of music, especially within its Sub-Saharan Africa regional office. According to their website, the IFPI is committed to ensuring that creative industries are safeguarded in the digital age while helping music companies navigate new technologies and opportunities.
Hlanze stated that local artists and record labels should contact the IFPI Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Office via email on ISRC-SSA@ifpi.org and request the relevant ISRC code for Eswatini for them to use as an independent artist or local record label.
