Veteran East African music producer Washington has announced plans to release previously unreleased songs recorded with Uganda’s Goodlyfe Crew, pending the implementation of stronger copyright protections.

According to the report, Washington said the decision is tied to ongoing efforts to improve how artists and producers earn revenue from their work, particularly older recordings that were not properly monetized.

The producer explained that the move aims to ensure musicians and producers receive fair financial returns from their past contributions, especially as the industry shifts toward stricter intellectual property enforcement.

Goodlyfe Crew, made up of the late Moses Radio and Douglas Mayanja (Weasel), remains one of Uganda’s most influential music groups. Following Radio’s death in 2018, there were long-standing debates about unreleased songs reportedly held by Washington.

Addressing the issue, Washington stated that he is ready to engage with Goodlyfe’s management to review the unreleased material and determine a transparent path for its release.

He also highlighted the group’s enduring popularity, noting that many of their songs continue to attract listeners online across the region. He stressed that the time has come for stakeholders to properly benefit from the value created by such works.

Washington further reflected on past industry practices, acknowledging that many artists and producers operated informally without clear agreements, which limited their ability to earn royalties.

He emphasized that the industry is now moving toward a more professional structure, with formal contracts and clearly defined revenue-sharing systems.

The planned release of the unreleased tracks is expected to follow the enforcement of new copyright regulations designed to guarantee consistent income for artists through royalties.

Source: InyaRwanda.com