State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Atenyi, has warmly welcomed singer Azawi following her public declaration permitting broadcasters and event organizers to play her music free of charge.Azawi’s decision sparked widespread discussion within the music industry, especially coming at a time when the amended Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026 was recently enacted and officially assented to by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.In response, Hon. Balaam directed staff at his affiliated radio stations to immediately seek formal authorization from the singer’s management team to ensure compliance with legal requirements while airing her music.He emphasized that obtaining official documentation would help avoid any potential legal complications despite the artist’s public consent.The minister further encouraged other musicians who may wish to grant similar permission for their music to be played freely on his stations, assuring them that they would receive equal respect and follow the same formal process.Azawi allows free music play amid copyright law reforms in UgandaThank you, Madam Azawi. Radio One, Radio 8 Uganda, Radio 7 Uganda, Radio 9 Uganda and Radio 3 Kampala — please proceed to play Azawi’s music free of charge as she has officially authorized.Kindly ensure you obtain a formal sign-off from her team as soon as possible to avoid any legal issues. Any other artists willing to grant similar permission for their music to be played free of charge on our stations will be welcomed and accorded the same respect and process.Blessings to all my artists.Azawi’s move has added a fresh dimension to ongoing conversations surrounding artists’ rights, royalties, and the evolving relationship between musicians and broadcasters in Uganda’s entertainment industry.Thank you, Madam @AzawiOfficial.@RadioOneSS @Radio8Uganda @Radio7Uganda @Radio9Uganda @Radio3Kampala 🙏Please proceed to play Azawi’s music free of charge, as she has officially authorized. Kindly ensure you obtain a formal sign-off from her team as soon as possible to avoid any… https://t.co/FtMHhRbg79— Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi. (@BalaamBarugahar) April 30, 2026The post Hon. Balaam welcomes Azawi’s bold move to waive music charges appeared first on MBU.