Manipulation in Malawi: Local Creatives Call Out Copyright Fund Abuse

Malawian musicians and creatives have recently raised troubling reports regarding failures within the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) –– the body responsible for safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of its artists. The government institution has come under fire after revelations that the COSOMA board had awarded several of its members grants from the government’s Copyright Fund, grants that were intended for artists, threatening the very heart of the creative industry. 

The Copyright Fund was established with the intended goal of supporting Malawian artists and strengthening the creative sector. The fund supports Malawian artists who often struggle to access resources to sustain their work. By diverting these funds, COSOMA board members have not only undermined the spirit of the program, but also raised deep questions of fairness, accountability, and conflict of interest. 

These developments have sparked outrage among Malawi’s artists, who have jointly petitioned the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the issue, and in doing so, have faced significant attacks from those connected with the COSOMA. Those daring to speak out are respected cultural leaders, artists, musicians and creatives and include Fair Play Ambassador Faith Mussa. They have faced slander, intimidation, and coordinated personal attacks from COSOMA officials and their sympathisers. Yet, instead of being silenced, Malawi’s artists are showing courage in continuing to push a call for accountability rooted in fairness, justice, and the protection of public resources. 

Faith, known for his outspoken position, has courageously defended the principles of justice and transparency despite escalating pressure, stating: 

Malawi’s artists are now demanding accountability and transparency in the management of the Copyright Fund. Their fight is not only about the misuse of resources, but about protecting the integrity of the entire creative industry. 

We call on the global creative community to stand in solidarity with them –– to amplify their voices, to demand due process, accountability, and to defend the principle that public funds should serve the public good. 

The fight for fairness and transparency in Malawi is part of a larger struggle we all share: ensuring that art and culture remain spaces of justice, creativity, and integrity. Together, we can make sure these principles are upheld.