FPRA paying out $137,500 to 612 members today as royalty for their music and songs

The Fiji Performing Rights Association is paying out $137,500 to 612 members today as royalty for their music and songs.

FPRA Board Chairman, Eremasi Tamanisau says this payment is made in November every year but for the first time they are paying it earlier as 50% of their members are part time workers in the Tourism sector and they have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

He says the members have personally reached out to them and have told them they are unable to provide for their families.

The amount an artist will receive is based on how many times the members work was used by licensed organisations such as TV and radio stations, hotels and night clubs.

FPRA also takes into account the number of times their work was used in sporting venues, concert venues and as mobile phone ringtones in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Tamanisau says the 50% royalty they will be paying out today is only for their FPRA members.

All payments will be available in members bank accounts by today.

The other 50% royalty will be paid out in November which will be for FPRA members and the owners of the international repertoire.

FPRA has 902 members.