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ARTICLE · 08 SEPTEMBER 2025

Where Did The Waka Waka Royalties Go?

ENS
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When people think of music rights, they often imagine recording deals and streaming platforms, but the real engine behind long-term revenue lies in Intellectual Property ("IP") rights in the song itself.

South AfricaIntellectual Property
Bernard Dippenaar
Bernard Dippenaar
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When people think of music rights, they often imagine recording deals and streaming platforms, but the real engine behind long-term revenue lies in Intellectual Property ("IP") rights in the song itself.

Copyright law protects the composition (lyrics and melody) and the sound recording. These rights can be licensed to third parties, such as record labels, event organisers, or brands, who pay royalties for using the song. Revenue can flow from multiple streams:

  • live performances,
  • streaming platforms,
  • sync licenses in adverts,
  • global sporting events.

Licensing deals can also include clauses on how revenue must be distributed, such as contributions to charity.

The dispute

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