Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
Accra, Ghana – Kofi Donkor, the manager and husband of renowned gospel musician Celestine Donkor, has publicly urged the online streaming giant Boomplay to release overdue royalties to his artiste before potentially shutting down its Ghanaian operations. In a candid Facebook post, Donkor highlighted that Celestine has not received any royalty payments for more than a year, raising serious concerns about the financial well-being of the artist.
“Boomplay, pay us our royalties before you shut down the Ghana office on Friday!” Kofi Donkor declared in his Facebook comment. He further emphasized the urgency by stating, “They haven’t made a payment in over a year. Additionally, I’ve heard that they intend to close their Ghanaian office. We must withdraw our funds immediately.”
Donkor elaborated on the situation during an interview with MyJoyOnline, where he expressed his frustration and anxiety over the lack of payments and the potential closure of Boomplay’s local office. “Celestine has dedicated her life to spreading gospel music and uplifting our community. It’s disheartening to see her efforts go unrewarded,” he added.
Understanding Boomplay’s Royalty Distribution
A recent investigation by 3News into Boomplay’s licensing agreements with artistes reveals that the streaming platform does not directly handle royalty payments. Instead, Boomplay partners with preferred distribution platforms and distributors responsible for music licensing, distribution, and the subsequent payment of royalties to artists.
According to Boomplay’s official website, “Boomplay artists receive streaming royalties from distributors that are preferred by Boomplay. Artistes can choose a distributor that is preferred by Boomplay to distribute their music. Artistes can receive their royalties monthly and collect them from their bank, PayPal, or Payoneer.”
However, MyJoyOnline reports ongoing challenges with certain distributors and distribution platforms, which have contributed to delays and non-payment of royalties. These issues stem from expired licensing agreements and confusion over negotiations for new contracts, leaving many artistes like Celestine Donkor without their deserved earnings.
The Impact on Ghanaian Artistes
The delay in royalty payments has significant repercussions for Ghanaian artistes who rely on these earnings to sustain their careers and personal lives. Celestine Donkor, a beloved figure in the gospel music scene, has built a loyal fanbase through her inspirational songs and performances. The lack of timely payments not only affects her financially but also undermines her ability to continue producing music that inspires and uplifts her audience.
Kofi Donkor’s public plea underscores a broader issue within the Ghanaian music industry, where artistes often face obstacles in receiving fair compensation for their work. As streaming platforms like Boomplay become increasingly integral to music distribution, ensuring transparent and efficient royalty processes is crucial for the growth and sustainability of artists.
Looking Ahead
As Boomplay’s Ghanaian office closure looms, the urgency for resolution intensifies. The Ghanaian film and music communities are watching closely, hoping for a swift response from Boomplay to honor their commitments to artistes like Celestine Donkor. Meanwhile, industry stakeholders are advocating for improved licensing agreements and better support systems to prevent such disputes in the future.
Celestine Donkor’s situation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by artistes in the digital age. It calls for greater accountability and collaboration between streaming platforms and distribution partners to ensure that artistes receive the recognition and financial rewards they deserve for their contributions to the cultural landscape.
For now, Celestine Donkor and her supporters await a favorable resolution, hoping that Boomplay will honor its promises and uphold the integrity of its relationships with Ghanaian artistes.
Source: NKONKONSA.com
