05/12/2026
DID YOU KNOW?
While many Guyanese artists are fighting to get consistent airplay on radio, television, events, and entertainment platforms in Guyana, the part many people don’t talk about is that artists are often not receiving long-term financial benefits from that airplay.
When Guyanese music, or any artist’s music, is played, the artist may not actually be benefiting from copyright royalties because royalty collection, reporting systems, and enforcement are still not fully developed or properly structured.
The positive side to airplay in Guyana is that it helps:
• the public become familiar with the music
• crowds learn the songs
• DJs keep the songs active
• promoters see audience reactions
• artists become more bookable for events and shows
• artists build cultural relevance and visibility
So in many ways, radio exposure in Guyana often works more as MARKETING than guaranteed royalty income but mainly international artists benefit from this.
But this is where Guyanese artists face a double disadvantage:
1️⃣ Foreign music from larger industries often dominates local airwaves, entertainment spaces, and events.
2️⃣ Without consistent local airplay, Guyanese artists struggle to build the public familiarity and audience reaction needed for long-term bookings, larger audiences, and sustainable career growth.
So even if Jamaicans, Trinidadians, Americans, etc are not receiving copyright royalties in Guyana, their music is marketed more on airways to push them and prepare them for bookings in Guyana.
And while occasional concerts and one-and-two government events may create temporary opportunities for a few artists, many creatives argue that this is not the same as building a long-term music infrastructure that consistently develops and supports local talent year-round.
As Guyana grows economically and positions itself as a developing oil-rich nation, many believe the conversation should now move beyond one-time performances and focus more on:
• stronger support for local content
• fairer media exposure
• music industry development
• copyright education
• royalty systems
• publishing infrastructure
• sustainable opportunities for Guyanese creatives
Because a country’s culture should grow alongside its economy.
Happy Independence 🇬🇾
