Veteran Ugandan musician Ragga Dee has stepped into the heated copyright conversation with a message that cuts through the noise: compliance isn’t optional; it’s a matter of principle.
Speaking during a one-on-one interview on UBC TV, the longtime hitmaker addressed a growing misconception among businesses and entertainment spaces that copyright fees only apply if you actively play Ugandan music.
“Even if you play Ugandan music or Western music, you will have to pay for the copyright certificate. Why, everything that you use that is not yours, you should pay for it,” he shared.
In his view, copyright isn’t about preference; it’s about ownership. Whether a bar spins local hits, Western playlists, or a mix of both, the obligation remains the same: if you’re using someone else’s creative work, you must pay for it.
To make his point land, he reached for a simple but relatable analogy of third-party car insurance.
“Think of it like insurance,” he explained. “You don’t wait to crash your car to start paying for third-party insurance. It’s something you’re required to have, regardless of whether you ever get into an accident.”
It’s a comparison that strips copyright down to its core: a shared system of responsibility. Just as drivers contribute to a safety net on the road, businesses that use music are expected to contribute to the ecosystem that sustains artists.
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