The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM), in collaboration with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), has launched a copyright perception survey aimed at raising awareness about the importance of understanding and respecting copyright laws.
The survey seeks to gauge how Namibians value creative work and perceive the role of collective management in protecting the rights of creators and artists.
In Namibia, copyright remains a growing concern as the creative industry continues to expand, while many creators still struggle to protect their intellectual property and earn fair compensation for their work.
The newly launched Copyright Perception Survey, by BIPA and NASCAM, aims to create greater visibility around copyright issues.
The initiative also shines a spotlight on the struggles and successes of Namibian creators, as well as NASCAM's role as a guardian of their rights.
According to the parties, visibility is power, ensuring that the voices of creators are heard, their challenges are recognised, and their contributions are valued.
"But let me also ground this in reality. We know of rights holders like Mega, who created the hit song Pikke Wyne, a track with global reach and cultural impact. Yet despite its success, he received nothing for his work," said NASCAM CEO Albert Nicanor, adding that "This is not just an isolated case; it is a symptom of the creative ecosystem that is unable to adequately provide knowledge and awareness on creators' rights and how to protect their rights. We also know that many broadcasters use music daily to power their platforms, attract audiences, and generate advertising revenue, yet some still do not pay for that usage. This disparity is not only unfair, it is unsustainable. It undermines the very people whose creativity fuels the industry."
Individuals can participate in the 30-day copyright perception survey starting on the 7th of October by accessing it through the websites of either BIPA or NASCAM.
Alternatively, participants can request to receive the survey via email.
Findings from the survey are expected to inform policy reform, providing evidence-based insights to guide government, regulators, and industry partners in shaping a copyright environment that is fair, transparent, and ready for the future.