Do kids know who owns a song? Sakhele Mzalazala's new book unpacks it
Music rights consultant, author and entrepreneur Sakhele Mzalazala has launched his latest book, "What is Copyright? Our Song", an educational publication designed to introduce children and young readers to the fundamentals of copyright, music rights and creative ownership.
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Who owns a song once it has been written and recorded? It is a question that many adults struggle to answer, so it is no surprise that most children have little understanding of copyright and creative ownership.
Music rights consultant, author and entrepreneur Sakhele Mzalazala wants to change that through his new book, “What is Copyright? Our Song”.
The animated educational publication introduces children to the basics of copyright, music rights and creative ownership through storytelling and characters they can relate to.
Aimed at music students, primary school learners, young adults and adults who know little about industry rights, the book tackles a topic that is often seen as complicated and turns it into something accessible and enjoyable.
Mzalazala believes that music rights education should start long before aspiring artists enter the industry.
"This book is more than just a publication; it is a movement," he said.
"We cannot continue to wait until artists are adults before teaching them about their rights. The future belongs to our children, and it is time for them to understand the value of creativity and ownership from an early age.
"In fact, it is time for our children to teach us and help protect the creative industries for generations to come."
For years, many artists have entered the music business without fully understanding how to protect their work. Mzalazala notes that early education is the key to changing that reality.
Published independently through SM Communications, the book has been completed and is ready for printing and distribution. Written in a simple and interactive style, it encourages children to do more than just read.
Young readers are invited to act out the characters and engage with the lessons in a way that makes learning memorable.
"What is Copyright? Our Song" is an educational book that introduces children and young readers to the concepts of copyright, music rights and creative ownership.
Image: Supplied
Adding a personal touch, the animated characters featured in the book are inspired by Mzalazala's own children and their friends.
"The goal was to create something children could see themselves in," he explained.
“What is Copyright? Our Song” is the first title in a planned educational series focused on the creative industry.
Future books will explore topics such as publishing, artist management, royalties, the music business, creative entrepreneurship and intellectual property rights.
Mzalazala hopes that the series will eventually reach schools across Africa and beyond. While the project addresses challenges faced by African creatives, he believes that the lack of music rights education is a global issue.
The long-term vision is to provide schools, libraries, arts institutions and families with practical resources that help children understand their rights and the value of their creativity.
With the manuscript complete and ready for distribution, SM Communications is also seeking partners to help bring the book into classrooms and communities.
"Our children are creative. They deserve to know the value of what they create," said Mzalazala.
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