Renowned Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando has publicly accused Sony Music Africa of denying her royalties from her music for nearly 15 years, claiming the company continues to control her work long after their professional relationship ended.
In a strongly worded statement, Muhando says Sony Music is unlawfully holding more than 37 of her songs and refusing to release them, despite the two parties having parted ways years ago. She alleges that although her music remains widely available and monetised across digital platforms, she has not received income from the works, which she describes as the product of her life’s labour.
“Nimekuwa nikidhulumiwa haki yangu ya mapato kutokana na kazi zangu katika majukwaa yote ya kidijitali,” Rose Muhando said in her statement. “Haya yote yametokana na ushirikiano wangu wa zamani na kampuni ya Sony Music Africa licha ya kwamba tulishaacha kufanya kazi pamoja kitambo, hadi leo kampuni hiyo bado inashikilia zaidi ya kazi zangu 37.”
According to Muhando, the continued control of her catalogue by Sony Music is the main reason she has been unable to collect royalties. She says she has endured the situation quietly for close to 15 years, believing her rights would eventually be respected. During that time, she chose patience and silence over public confrontation.
Efforts to resolve the dispute have included intervention by the Tanzanian government through the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA). Muhando says COSOTA attempted to mediate and protect her rights, but the process stalled due to a lack of cooperation from Sony Music’s representative, Seven Mosha, who allegedly failed to respond to repeated summons.
“Serikali kupitia Cosota Tanzania imejaribu kunisaidia na kusimamia haki yangu, lakini juhudi hizo zimekwamishwa kwa kukosa ushirikiano kutoka kwa mwakilishi wao, Seven Mosha amekuwa akiitwa mara kadhaa bila kutoa ushirikiano wowote,” she added.
The singer says the prolonged dispute has caused her emotional distress and derailed her dreams, while also reflecting a broader problem faced by many artists who are silently deprived of their earnings. She explains that she is speaking out now because the pain has become unbearable and silence is no longer an option.
Muhando is appealing for urgent government intervention, specifically calling on Minister Paul Christian Makonda to step in and ensure justice is served. She says she wants her rights restored, her royalties paid, and artists’ work respected.
Rose Muhando is one of East Africa’s most celebrated gospel musicians, known for hit songs such as “Nibebe”, “Yesu Karibu Kwangu”, “Uwe Macho”, “Nipe Macho”, and “Yesu Nakupenda”.
