THE Fiji Performing Rights Association (FPRA) has presented a cheque for $3600 to Seini Gaunavou-Uluiviti, the daughter of composer Yaminiasi Gaunavou, in recognition of his song Era Bini Tu.
FPRA chairman Eremasi Tamanisau said the association was contacted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry regarding a request from the government of Antigua and Barbuda which had sought permission for the youth orchestra to perform the song at the International SIDS (Small Island Developing States) conference.,
“FPRA then advised that whilst Kabani, an Australia-based band of Fijian musicians, had performed the song, the composer was the late Yaminiasi Gaunavou who was a member of FPRA. The song was also registered under FPRA, which administers the copyright of the song.
“Mr Gaunavou had assigned the rights to all his songs to FPRA to administer and licence all uses of members’ works, including his composition Era Bini Tu.
The song was to be played for the conference delegates and streamed live on UN TV.
Mr Tamanisau said the fee for the use of the song’s synchronisation rights, which apply to audiovisual works like the one shown at the conference, was set at $1000 for every 30 seconds or part thereof.
The song was used in a medley of songs for 31 seconds, and the fee paid by the government of Antigua and Barbuda was $US2000, equivalent to approximately $F4403.35. As is standard procedure, FPRA retained 10 per cent of the fee for administrative purposes, with the remaining amount being passed directly to Gaunavou’s daughter, Seini Gaunavou-Uluiviti.
Ms Gaunavou-Uluiviti thanked FPRA for its role in preserving her father’s legacy and ensuring his music continues to be recognised on the global stage.
“It’s an honour to receive this cheque on behalf of my father, my late father,” Ms Gaunavou said.
“All these songs, now it’s, I mean, the songs are now known worldwide.
“And this is motivation to the young composers out there.”
