19/02/2025
Dear Artist, Are You Registered With SONACAM Yet?
What Is SONACAM by the way???
SONACAM stands for Société Nationale des Arts et de la Culture du Cameroun (National Society of Arts and Culture of Cameroon).
SONACAM is an organization that helps Cameroonian artists do these three main things:
First, SONACAM protects artists' rights. This means it helps keep your creative work safe from being used without your permission.
Second, SONACAM collects royalties for you. This means that when your music, writing, or art is used or performed publicly, SONACAM makes sure you get paid.
Thirdly, SONACAM promotes Cameroonian culture. It helps share Cameroonian arts and culture with the world your art not excluded.
SONACAM is like a shield for Cameroonian artists
Why do I need SONACAM?
As an artist, you need SONACAM to:
- Protect your music and rights as a creator
- Collect royalties (money) when your music is played or used on tv shows, restaurants and public places etc
- Get paid for your hard work!
How do I register with SONACAM?
To register, you'll need:
- Proof of identity (ID card or passport)
- Proof of nationality (birth certificate or national ID)
- Copies of your music (CD or digital file)
- A registration fee (around 10,000 XAF or maybe less)
SONACAM issues special cards to help you benefit from your creative work?
The SONACAM Card is like an ID for artists! It proves you're a registered Artist and a member of SONACAM
SONACAM also issues a Registration Certificate:
This document is like a birth certificate for your creative work. It proves you own the rights to your music, art, or writings.
With this certificate, you can:
- Protect your work from being used without permission
- Sell or license your work to others
- Enter competitions and contests
If someone infridges on your song copyrights or Uses your song in a movie or advert without financial negotiations or in a way that doesn't sit well with you, like using your song as a background music in p**n videos and you want to Sue them, you can report to:
SONACAM Office in Cameroon
SONACAM is responsible for protecting artists' rights in Cameroon. You can report copyright infringement to their office.
Ministry of Arts and Culture (MINAC)
MINAC is also responsible for protecting cultural heritage and intellectual property in Cameroon.
All you need Proof of ownership (SONACAM registration certificate, etc.)
And Evidence of infringement (screenshots, videos, etc.)
And A written complaint
Submit your complaint to the relevant office, and they'll help you resolve the issue!
What else do you need to know?
As an artist in Cameroon, you should also:
- Register your music with CD Baby or other distributors to get on streaming platforms
- Build a strong online presence (social media, website, etc.)
- Network with other artists, producers, and industry professionals
Get registered with SONACAM and Other International Music Distributors and start benefiting from your works.
Yours Music Producer, Song Writer ,
And Music Business Enthusiast
Bluejay Kings
Blaizo Blaizo
Beatshop
Badbeat House
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