Copyrights Windfall: SONACAM Secures Landmark 100 Million FCFA Royalty Recovery

It is already being hailed as a historic breakthrough for the national creative economy. The Board Chair of the Cameroon Music Art Corporation, SONACAM, Dr. Ateh Ndong Francis - popularly known as Dr. Ateh Bazore - has announced the recovery of 100 million FCFA. In copyright royalties collected directly at source.

Paradigm Shift In Rights Collection

The announcement comes at a critical juncture for hundreds of musicians and creators across the country, offering immediate financial relief as families prepare for the upcoming school year. The funds represent the initial proceeds of a long-sought levy scheme charging 12 FCFA per crate of beer sold across domestic distribution networks. Marking a paradigm shift in how authors' rights are collected and distributed in Cameroon.

Collection At Source

For decades, collective copyrights management organizations in Cameroon struggled with the decentralized and inefficient process of collecting royalties individually from thousands of scattered bars, night clubs, and commercial venues. High administrative overheads, widespread evasion, and frequent friction between enforcement agents and business owners often left artists with negligible returns for their intellectual property.

Systemic Solution

To overcome these historical bottlenecks, SONACAM pursued a systemic solution. Deducting royalties directly at the distribution source before products ever reach venue counters. By leveraging the logistical networks of major beverage manufacturers and regional distributors, the 12 FCFA per crate agreement effectively captures revenue at the point of wholesale supply. Guaranteeing a steady, transparent, and enforceable stream of income for rights holders.

Only The Beginning!

Dr. Ateh Bazore emphasized that the milestone FCFA 100 million is only the beginning, as collection mechanisms continue to scale nationwide. "I am doing this video to assure all Cameroonian artists that we have received the first fruits of the collection from source of the 12 Francs per crate of beer sold," Dr. Ateh Bazore stated. "This makes it possible for us to say that in the weeks ahead, we will execute a proper distribution to help artists - specifically to ensure that creators can send their children back to school without financial stress."

Corporate Partnerships

The successful execution of the source-collection framework relied on strategic collaboration between SONACAM and key industrial leaders in Cameroon's beverage sector. In his video address to industry members, Dr. Ateh Bazore praised the corporate leadership that stepped forward to facilitate the administrative deductions.

Industry Facilitation

He expressed primary gratitude to the leadership of Boissons du Cameroun, SABC for establishing the operational groundwork necessary to pull off deductions at source. Furthermore, the SONACAM Board Chair lauded the vital role played by Groupe DOVV and its President Director General, who also serves as the President of the Syndicate of Distributors of Cameroon. As a central figure connecting major breweries to local retailers, his mediation and operational backing enabled his team to collect significant sums from wholesale bonuses.

"It is thanks to their facilitation that we have been able to receive these first amounts," Dr. Ateh Bazore noted. "Groupe DOVV was at the center of this work, and with the President Director General’s team, they have been able to collect some money, giving us renewed hope for a successful distribution in the weeks ahead," Dr Ateh underscored.

Recalcitrant Business Owners

Despite celebrating the initial FCFA 100 million tally, Dr. Ateh Bazore did not mince words when addressing commercial establishments and bar operators that continue to resist compliance.

Under Cameroonian law, commercial spaces that utilize creative works to enhance their customer experience and drive beverage sales are legally obligated to pay copyright dues. Highlighting the stark contrast between thriving commercial venues and struggling creators, Dr. Ateh Bazore called out establishment owners who profit from music while denying artists their fair compensation.

Social Justice, Economic Alignment

"Artists are creators; they spend sleepless nights working on products which you use to sell your drinks, and yet you refuse to pay authors' rights," Dr. Ateh Bazore warned. "In the days ahead, some of you will have your bars sealed. Others will have their money seized and paid so this venture can survive. In all honesty, we do not want to get to that level. That is why I am calling on you, pleading, begging you to join the bandwagon and allow for the little money collected from your bonuses to be paid to Cameroonian artists so they can survive," Dr Ateh noted.

He framed the compliance drive as a fundamental matter of social justice and economic alignment with government policies aimed at eradicating poverty within the cultural and creative industries.

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