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By R Joyclyn Wea
The government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) to protect Semah G. Weefur music from copyright.
Semah a 12-year-old kid with disability, but with great talent, has produced and is now being sponsored by Nigerian international musical icon, Flavour N’bania.
The government commitment comes as a result of complaint by Liberia and ECOWAS Cultural Ambassador Julie Endee.
According to madam Endee, since the music audio and video of Semah were released, Semah has not benefited from any sales in Liberia; instead it has been illegally mass produced and marketed by others for their sole benefit.
The young Liberian talent is also being managed by a constituted management team headed by the Liberian crusader for peace in consultations and collaboration with the biological parents and guidance of little Weefur.
Speaking on Friday, June 1, 2018 when she officially turned over the young Liberian icon to the Ministry, Madam Endee informed officials of the Government that to ensure the smooth marketing of Semah’s music in Liberia, they have been given a letter of authorization from Flavour which gives the full right and authority to the team to market and distribute Semah’s music in Liberia.
With the letter and considering the circumstances surrounding the generation of proceed from the music, she asserted that it is important to notify the copyright office on the matter in order for an appropriate action to be taken.
Ambassador Endee further indicated the need for the Ministry to work with the Ministry of Justice for the enforcement of the copyright laws.
Making the commitment on behalf of Government, Deputy Minister for Information, Atty. Daniel Gayedyu vowed that government would do everything to ensure the protection of Semah Weefur music from copyright.
He explained that the government under president Weah is committed to help people used their skill and talent in order to transformed their lives.
“Semah is just one of the many hidden talents we have in Liberia, and we are grateful that he was able to avail himself. As a government, we will ensure the protection of his music as demanded by you Ambassador Endee,” he pledges.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.