In a groundbreaking development for the Tanzanian music industry, the Copyright Society of Tanzania (Cosota) recently distributed royalties to local musicians, recognizing their contributions to the country’s vibrant music scene.
At the forefront of this significant event was Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz, who emerged as the highest earner, reaffirming his position as a dominant force in Tanzanian music.
With his latest hit single “Enjoy” riding high on the charts, Diamond Platnumz’s musical prowess and mass appeal were rewarded with royalty payments amounting to Tsh7.7 million (Sh445,256) from broadcasting rights.
This milestone underscores the growing recognition and appreciation for artists’ creative works, as Cosota continues to enforce copyright protection and fair compensation for artists in Tanzania.
Diamond’s success was no surprise to fans who have witnessed his meteoric rise in the music industry over the years. His unique blend of Bongo Flava and Afrobeats, coupled with captivating performances and infectious melodies, has earned him a dedicated fan base across the African continent and beyond.
By securing the top spot in the royalty earnings, Diamond further solidifies his status as a trailblazing artist and trendsetter.
Not far behind, Alikiba, Diamond’s longtime nemesis, clinched the second position, with royalties amounting to Tsh5 million (Sh289,127). For Alikiba, this represented a significant increase from the previous year’s earnings, indicating a resurgence in his musical career and continued relevance in the Tanzanian music landscape.
The friendly rivalry between Diamond and Alikiba has been a driving force for both artists to push their creative boundaries and elevate the industry’s standards.
Third on the list was Rayvanny, a former signee of Diamond’s WCB Wasafi Record label, who earned himself Tsh4.9 million (Sh283,345) in royalties.
Rayvanny’s artistic versatility and collaboration with various African artists have cemented his position as one of Tanzania’s leading music exports, making him a favorite among fans and critics alike.
The distribution of royalties also showcased the immense talent within the WCB Wasafi family, as two of its other signees, Zuchu and Mbosso Khan, claimed the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Zuchu, who earned Tsh4.7 million (Sh271,780), has been captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and emotionally charged performances.
Similarly, Mbosso Khan’s earnings of Tsh4.3 million (Sh248,649) reflect his growing popularity as a soulful and melodious crooner.
Among the top earners, Nandy, known as the African Princess, secured the sixth position with Tsh3.5 million (Sh202,389), marking a remarkable increase from the previous year’s earnings. Nandy’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable, and her contributions to the music industry continue to be celebrated by fans and industry experts alike.
Harmonize, a former member of the WCB Wasafi family, claimed the seventh position with Tsh3.4 million (Sh196,606) in royalties. Despite parting ways with Diamond’s label, Harmonize remains a formidable force in Tanzanian music, captivating audiences with his energetic performances and catchy tunes.
Chanteuse Mauma Sama secured the eighth position with earnings of Tsh2.3 million (Sh132,998), proving that female artists are also making their mark in the traditionally male-dominated music industry.
Surprisingly, the only hip-hop artist to make it into the top ten highest earners was Young Lunya, who closed the bracket with earnings of Tsh1.6 million (Sh92,520). This achievement highlights the growing diversity within Tanzanian music, with artists from various genres gaining recognition and financial success.
