In the world of music, where art meets business, Caller Ring Back Tones (CRBT) have emerged as a promising avenue for artists to generate income.
However, beneath the catchy tones lies a harsh reality of exploitation, turning musicians’ creations into mere commodities.
CRBT allows mobile users to personalize their calling experience by replacing the standard ringing tone with a music track of their choice.
While this service has gained popularity worldwide and offers a new revenue stream for artists, the revenue distribution is far from equitable.
Global CRBT revenue is soaring, with telecom giants reaping significant profits. Unfortunately, many artists are left with meager earnings due to a skewed revenue-sharing model.
In Ghana, the CRBT market holds immense potential, but telecommunications companies’ profit-driven approach has left artists with a small fraction of the revenue generated.
Typically, telecom companies retain 70% of the CRBT revenue, leaving artists with only a fraction after aggregators take their share.
This unequal distribution stifles artists’ earnings and undermines their creative efforts. With telecom companies reporting substantial profits, artists are questioning why they are not being fairly compensated for their work.
As the CRBT market thrives, musicians, producers, and arrangers are advocating for transparency and equity in revenue-sharing.
Organizations like GHAMRO, MUSIGA, and GAPI play a crucial role in advocating for the fair treatment of artists. By uniting and demanding a more equitable revenue model, artists can ensure they receive fair compensation for their contributions to the music industry.
