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Rex Omar questions Mr Drew eligibility for music royalties
•2 min read•1 source
Veteran highlife musician Rex Omar, who is closely associated with the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), has raised questions regarding singer Mr Drew’s eligibility for music royalties. His comments come as a direct response to recent public claims by Mr Drew, who stated that he has never received any royalty payments for his musical works. Speaking on Okay FM, Omar suggested that the singer’s grievances might stem from a failure to complete the necessary administrative procedures rather than a fault within the distribution system.
Omar emphasized that the receipt of royalties is not an automatic right but a process predicated on formal registration and the proper assignment of music rights. He explained that many contemporary artists often overlook the requirement to be officially documented within the GHAMRO database, which is essential for the organisation to track the broadcast and public performance of their songs. He likened the expectation of receiving royalties without formal registration to an individual demanding an insurance payout without ever having purchased a policy or signed the necessary documentation.
To avoid future disappointments, the veteran musician advised younger artists to take the professional and administrative side of their careers more seriously. He noted that while it is common for artists to vent their frustrations in the media, the solution lies in ensuring that their catalogs are correctly registered and their memberships are active. Omar’s remarks highlight a recurring challenge in the Ghanaian music industry, where a lack of formalisation often prevents artists from accessing the financial benefits of their creative output.
