Blessing hearts, but not topping the royalty charts

A fresh royalty payout has stirred frustration in Malawi’s gospel music circles after the genre failed to produce a single top earner.

On Monday, the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) distributed K1.8 billion in Blank Media Levy royalties, up from K1 billion last year, for artistic works used between April 2025 and March 2026.

The top music beneficiaries included Phyzix, Onesimus, Lucius Banda, Zeze Kingston, Driemo, Kelly Kay and Saint. However, no gospel artist featured among the leading earners.

The omission has triggered calls for greater transparency, with artists questioning how COSOMA calculates and distributes royalties.

Among the critics is musician, drummer and producer Amos Mlolowa, popularly known as Drumos, who questioned why no gospel artist made the list despite the genre’s popularity.

Drumos: why not gospel artists?

Taking to Facebook, he wrote: “COSOMA! COSOMA! COSOMA! How many times have I called you? Are you telling me throughout the year no gospel artist or song did well on the market? Moti oimba onse a gospel aku Malawi ndi ma zoba???? Palibe olo mmodzi angakhaleko mgulu lolandira ndalama yolongosoka? Can someone educate me here, please? I rest my case.”

His remarks have reignited debate over whether the royalty distribution system adequately reflects the commercial use and popularity of gospel music.

Speaking during the presentation in Lilongwe, COSOMA Executive Director Dora Makwinja said there is widespread misinformation surrounding the Blank Media Levy and urged artists to rely on credible information about how the royalties are administered.

One of the beneficiaries, actress Joyce Chavula, said the royalties recognise the hard work artists invest in producing creative works.