Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats sensation, Kuami Eugene, has stirred discussions among fans and industry insiders with his recent bold stance on retaining ownership of his music collection.
In a video posted by EDHUB, the acclaimed musician adamantly rejected the idea of selling his music collection—a trend increasingly seen among global artists.
Kuami Eugene expressed:
I believe you should only sell your songs when they no longer hold value for you. My songs are still resonating, so why would I part with my catalog?
The popular artist behind hits like “Angela” and “Wish Me Luck” emphasized the continued commercial success of his music, arguing that selling his collection is unwarranted. This contrasted the actions of many Western artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, often citing financial security or diminishing relevance. Kuami Eugene positioned himself as an artist who trusts in the timeless appeal and earning potential of his creations.
His comments surface amidst reports of Ghanaian Afrobeats and Dancehall stars partnering with Waka Music Limited, a company facilitating worldwide exposure through managing and distributing collections. These alliances are strategic steps to monetize vast back catalogs on a global scale.
What Is a Music Catalogue?
A music catalog encompasses an artist’s or label’s complete collection of songs, compositions, and recordings. It may consist of:
Released tracks (singles, EPs, albums)
Unreleased songs and demos
Publishing rights (lyrics, compositions, melodies)
Master rights (the recordings themselves)
What Does It Mean to Lease a Music Catalog?
Leasing a catalog involves temporarily granting another party the rights to use the music—often for commercial purposes—in exchange for financial compensation.
