Ray G Urges Musicians to Understand Streaming Royalties Before Complaining
Ugandan singer Ray G has joined the conversation surrounding music streaming payments, advising artists to first understand how digital royalty systems work before concluding that they are being underpaid.
Speaking during an interview on Galaxy FM, the singer said many musicians may be criticising streaming earnings because they do not fully understand how platforms calculate, distribute, and remit payments.
According to Ray G, artists need more knowledge about the streaming business, including payment rates, timelines, and the process involved before making judgments about their earnings.
His comments come amid continued discussions among musicians about whether streaming platforms provide enough financial returns for artists.
Ray G Calls for More Knowledge About Streaming Payments
Ray G said the first step for artists should be gathering accurate information about how streaming platforms operate.
He explained that musicians need to understand what platforms pay, when payments are made, and where the money comes from before deciding whether their earnings are fair.
“We need to get information first, what they pay, what time they pay for, where they pay from.”
The singer suggested that some dissatisfaction among artists comes from assumptions rather than a complete understanding of the system.
“Let’s first gather information and that’s why we aren’t contented because we think maybe there’s something. If we know it all, in and out, then you’d know whether you’re getting enough.”
For Ray G, knowledge of the business side of music is just as important as creating songs.
The Debate Around Digital Music Earnings
Streaming platforms have become an important part of the modern music industry, allowing artists to reach audiences globally.
However, questions about how much musicians actually earn from platforms have remained a major discussion among artists in Uganda and around the world.
Many factors can affect streaming revenue, including platform agreements, distribution companies, ownership of music rights, and how royalties are shared between different parties.
Ray G’s comments suggest that artists need to better understand these structures in order to make informed decisions about their careers.
Rather than focusing only on the final amount received, he believes musicians should understand the complete process behind those payments.
Ray G Speaks About UPRS Royalties
The singer also addressed the ongoing conversation about royalties distributed through the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS).
Ray G revealed that he has not yet received any payment from UPRS, but said he remains hopeful that his share will eventually be processed.
He explained that he has not personally focused much attention on the matter yet because his management team is already engaging with the organization.
“I haven’t put my focus on it yet but I think management is in touch with those people.”
The singer did not provide details about the amount he expects to receive or when he anticipates payment.
Why the Conversation Matters
The issue of music royalties has become increasingly important as artists move beyond traditional album sales and rely more on digital platforms, performances, and licensing opportunities.
For musicians, understanding how money flows through the industry can influence decisions about contracts, distribution deals, and ownership of their work.
Ray G’s comments highlight a challenge facing many artists: balancing creative work with the business knowledge required to build a sustainable career.
As streaming continues to grow, discussions about transparency and education around royalties are likely to remain a major topic in Uganda’s music industry.
For many musicians, creating music is only one part of building a successful career.
Understanding contracts, royalties, and payment systems has become increasingly necessary in an industry that continues to change.
Ray G believes that artists must equip themselves with information before reaching conclusions about whether they are being treated fairly.
His message is simple: before demanding answers, musicians need to understand the system they are questioning.
As the debate over streaming and royalties continues, Ray G’s comments add another perspective to the conversation about how musicians can better navigate the modern music economy.