Tanzanian Singer Bushoke Wins Ksh 24M Copyright Case Against Boomplay
A Tanzanian court has awarded Bongo Flava legend Rutta Maximillia Bushoke Tsh500 million (Ksh 24 million) in a copyright infringement case against music streaming platform Boomplay.
Bushoke, known for hits like “Nalia kwa Furaha” and “Usiende Mbali” with Juliana Kanyomozi, filed the lawsuit after discovering that Boomplay had been generating revenue \
from his music without his consent or a formal agreement.
Boomplay claimed it had an agreement with a third party, Michael Mulingwa, who provided the tracks. However, Bushoke asserted in court that he had no contract with any third party authorizing the distribution of his songs.
The court ruled in Bushoke’s favor, ordering Boomplay to compensate him and remove the disputed tracks from their platform.
“I can confirm the court has awarded Bushoke the said amount as compensation for copyright infringement. Boomplay must also remove the songs in question,” said Cleverly Bowe, Bushoke’s lawyer.
Bushoke initially sought an out-of-court settlement in 2023 but was unsuccessful. Despite winning the case, he remains open to a settlement, stating, “We’re waiting to see if Boomplay will appeal or seek an out-of-court agreement, but I am determined to get what’s rightfully mine.”
